Working past 65
If you (or your spouse) are still working when you turn 65, Medicare works a little differently. Need a refresher on Medicare basics?
Do I need to sign up for Medicare when I turn 65?
In this situation: | You need to know: |
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You (or your spouse) are:
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You (or your spouse) are:
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You (or your spouse) are still working and have health insurance, but it’s not from a job (like Medicaid or Marketplace). |
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You’re still working and are self-employed or have health insurance that’s not available to everyone at the company. |
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You have COBRA coverage and haven’t signed up for Medicare yet. |
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You got COBRA coverage after you signed up for Medicare. | COBRA pays after Medicare (unless you have End-Stage Renal Disease). Get important information about COBRA and Medicare. |
You’re still working and you (or your spouse) get a stipend from your employer to buy your own health insurance. |
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You’re still working, but don’t have any health insurance. |
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How do I sign up for Medicare?
If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA): To avoid a tax penalty, you and your employer should stop contributing to your HSA 6 months before you retire or apply for benefits from Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board).
Why should I stop contributions before I retire?
Do I need to get more coverage?
After you sign up for Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance), you can choose how you get your coverage.
Before you go further: It’s important to learn more about your coverage options so you understand your choices.
When can I get more coverage?
Type of coverage: | When you can get it: |
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Medicare Advantage Plan |
You have 2 months after your job-based insurance ends to join a plan. If you want your plan’s coverage to start when your job-based insurance ends, sign up for Medicare and join a plan before your job-based insurance ends. |
Medicare drug plan |
You have 2 months after your job-based insurance ends to join a plan. If you want Medicare drug plan coverage to start when your job-based insurance ends, sign up for Medicare and join a plan before your job-based insurance ends. |
Medicare Supplement Insurance ( Medigap ) policy |
You have 6 months after you first get both Part A and Part B (if you’re 65 or older) to buy a policy. Learn more about Medigap. |
What else do I need to know?
As long as you have other creditable drug coverage , you can wait to join a Medicare drug plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan with drug coverage.
- If you’re not sure your current drug plan is considered creditable drug coverage, ask your plan – they have to tell you. Your plan will also send you this information every year.
- Keep this information — you may need it when you’re ready to join a Medicare drug plan. (Don’t send this information to Medicare.)
Get more details on how Part D works with other insurance.
What do you want to do next?
Check when & how to sign up
Get answers for your situation
Get sign up forms
Download forms & find ways to sign up
Get ready to retire
Learn 5 things to do before you retire