Here’s How Working Past 65 Can Affect Your Medicare Enrollment
When it comes to Medicare enrollment, your personal circumstances matter. There are different rules for enrolling at any one of the various stages of life you may be in. Here’s what to know.
Enrollment Options by Circumstance
Receiving Social Security
Turning 65 and receiving your Social Security check is the easiest way to receive your Medicare card. Medicare will send your card 90 days before you turn 65.
Not Receiving Social Security
If you’re turning 65 and NOT receiving a Social Security check, you can enroll in Medicare online at www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare 90 days before you turn 65.
Still Working
If you or your spouse are over 65 and still working, talk to your employer’s HR department. Verify that you should delay Part B enrollment because you are on an employer group health plan
Medicare allows those turning 65, who are receiving employer benefits, to delay Medicare Part B enrollment without a penalty. But, be aware, there are some things to know:
- Delaying Medicare requires you to have employer group health coverage under your name or your spouse’s.
- You must call your local Social Security office to delay or terminate enrollment.
- If you are already enrolled in Medicare Part B and would like to terminate, you will need Social Security form CMS-1763.
Self-employed
If you are turning 65 and still working, but not covered under an employer’s group health plan, then you should enroll during your initial enrollment period.
If you wait to enroll in Medicare Part B, then you will receive a 10% penalty for each year that you were not enrolled. For example, if you waited 2 years to apply for Original Medicare, the Part B penalty would be 20%. That 20% is charged every month for the rest of your life.
Leaving Employer Benefits After 65
When you or your spouse are no longer covered by an employer group health plan, have the HR department fill out and sign Social Security form CMS-L564 “Request for Employment Information” and CMS-40B “Application for Medicare Part B.” Call your local Social Security office and fax the forms to justify your delay in enrollment to avoid penalties.
Contact Toni: Email the Toni Says® Medicare team at [email protected] or call (832)519-8664 for all your Medicare questions!
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Originally published January 22, 2025
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