Employer or Union Coverage
Some employer and union-provided health insurance policies can
continue or switch over to provide coverage for you when you are 65
and retired. Contact your former employer or union for information
on your plan.
Medicare has special rules that apply to beneficiaries who have group
health plan coverage through their own or their spouse's current
employment. Group health plans of employers with 20 or more employees
must offer these people the same health insurance benefits under the
same conditions that younger workers and spouses receive. If your
group health plan (participation is based on current employment) denies
you coverage, or offers you different coverage, call your State
Insurance Department. See the
Helpful Contacts section for the phone number of the State Insurance
Department in your area.
If you or your spouse stops working and you are already enrolled in
Part B:
- Notify your Medicare carrier by phone or in writing that you or
your spouse's employment situation has changed.
- Give the carrier the name and address of the employer plan, your
policy number with the plan, the date the coverage stopped and why.
- When receiving health care services, tell the provider that
Medicare is now your primary payer and should be billed first. Give
the date your group health coverage stopped.
Caution: Joining a Medicare Plan like an HMO or PPO may limit or
end your employer or union coverage, both for you and/or any family
members covered by your plan. Carefully read any materials your employer
or union sends you. If you have questions, visit their website, or contact
the office listed in their materials. If you can’t tell whom to contact,
contact your benefits administrator or the office that answers questions
about your coverage.
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