Do I Need Medicare at 65 If I'm Still Working?

If you're turning 65 and still working, you might not need to enroll in Medicare right away — but the right move depends on the size of your employer and the kind of coverage you have.

If Your Employer Has 20 or More Employees

If you have group health coverage through an employer with 20 or more employees, that coverage is typically primary, and you can usually delay enrolling in Medicare Part B without a penalty until your employment or coverage ends. Part A is often worth enrolling in anyway, since it's usually premium-free.

If Your Employer Has Fewer Than 20 Employees

For smaller employers, Medicare typically becomes the primary payer at 65, which usually means you should enroll in Medicare Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period to avoid a gap in coverage, even if you keep your employer plan as secondary coverage.

When You Do Retire

Once your employer coverage ends, you generally get an 8-month Special Enrollment Period to sign up for Medicare Part B without a late penalty. It's worth planning this transition before your last day of coverage, not after.

Every employer plan is different, and the details of your specific coverage matter. Written by Rafael Stella, a licensed Medicare insurance agent helping people throughout California understand their coverage options at no cost — see the About page to learn more, or reach out with your specific situation.