Medicare - Still Covered w/ Employer Insurance Plan

[Anonymous]

DH is 64, he does not plan to retire for another 5 years - 6 years. I was poking around on the SSA.gov this morning and am now a little (a lot) confused about whether or not he must take Medicare Part A even if he is still fully covered under his employer's plan, and if he doesn't take it will have this "lifelong penalty" they keep mentioning? The entire family is under the employer's plan.

thanks!

[Anonymous]

I believe it’s mandatory and the employer’s is secondary. Sucks.

[Anonymous]

Call your state SHIP for info.

https://www.shiphelp.org/about-medicare/regional-ship-location/district-columbia

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I believe it’s mandatory and the employer’s is secondary. Sucks.

This is my understanding as well.

[Anonymous]

Not an expert but here's my understanding:


If you are still working at age 65 it depends on whether the company you work for has 20+ employees.

If fewer than 20 employees, you really should sign up for Medicare Part A at age 65. That's because you work for a "small company" so Medicare is primary payer for your health care. If you don't sign up you will have to pay a penalty later.

If more 20+ employees and you are still working -- you can delay paying for Medicare Part A because you have health coverage through your "large employer". If you do sign up for Medicare Part A, while still working, your employer health insurance is primary, Medicare is secondary payee. If you have great health insurance, are over 65 and still working, you might not want to sign up for Medicare right now. You might not feel the need.

https://boomerbenefits.com/is-it-mandatory-to-sign-up-for-medicare-at-age-65/#:~:text=Many%20people%20are%20working%20past,if%20you%20have%20creditable%20coverage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not an expert but here's my understanding:


If you are still working at age 65 it depends on whether the company you work for has 20+ employees.

If fewer than 20 employees, you really should sign up for Medicare Part A at age 65. That's because you work for a "small company" so Medicare is primary payer for your health care. If you don't sign up you will have to pay a penalty later.

If more 20+ employees and you are still working -- you can delay paying for Medicare Part A because you have health coverage through your "large employer". If you do sign up for Medicare Part A, while still working, your employer health insurance is primary, Medicare is secondary payee. If you have great health insurance, are over 65 and still working, you might not want to sign up for Medicare right now. You might not feel the need.

https://boomerbenefits.com/is-it-mandatory-to-sign-up-for-medicare-at-age-65/#:~:text=Many%20people%20are%20working%20past,if%20you%20have%20creditable%20coverage.

Thank you!!