You’re turning 65 in a few months and your health insurance is provided by your spouse’s job. What are your Medicare options?
Most of the time, job-based health insurance allows you to delay Medicare Part B enrollment without penalties. It also provides an SEP (Special Enrollment Period). However, it depends on whether the insurance is primary. The Part B SEP is up to eight months after the coverage or the work ends whichever is first.
If the employer has 20 or more employees the job-based insurance will be the primary payer. There’s no reason for you to enroll in Part B and pay that monthly premium.
Should you decide to enroll in Medicare Part B later, to use the SEP you will need to provide proof of your enrollment in job-based insurance. Written notice from your employer or plan, receipts showing health insurance premiums paid, or insurance cards with the effective date are all acceptable as proof of enrollment.
If the employer has fewer than 20 employees Medicare will be the primary payer and the job-based insurance will be secondary. In this case, you should enroll in Part B during your IEP (Initial Enrollment Period).
Notes:
For those that are Medicare-eligible due to disability or ESRD there are different rules about the SEP and which insurance is primary.
If the insurance from the employer is a retiree plan or COBRA, there are different rules for the SEP and which insurance is primary.
If you are a Florida resident turning 65 and are coming up on or in your IEP – Contact Me! I can make your transition from exchange plans, private, or employer insurance easy and pain-free. I also assist employers in transitioning employees to Medicare. For more information and personalized assistance visit www.FloridaMedicare.online or call 239.596.8449!
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