Working at 65
Still working at 65? Here's how Medicare fits in.
Turning 65 doesn't always mean you need to enroll in Medicare right away — but the right choice depends on your employer coverage.
Employer size matters
A common rule of thumb: if your employer has 20 or more employees and you have group health coverage through that employer (or a spouse's employer), you generally have the option to delay Medicare Part B without a late enrollment penalty, since you'd qualify for a Special Enrollment Period later.
If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare often becomes the primary payer, and delaying enrollment can leave gaps in coverage — this is a conversation worth having with your HR department and a licensed advisor.
What is "creditable coverage"?
Creditable coverage is health or drug coverage that Medicare considers at least as good as its own. If your employer coverage is creditable, you can generally delay Medicare enrollment without facing a late enrollment penalty when you eventually sign up.
Ask your employer's benefits administrator for a "creditable coverage" notice each year — it confirms whether your plan meets this standard for both medical (Part B) and prescription drug (Part D) purposes.
Why this matters: if your coverage isn't creditable, or you let it lapse without enrolling in Medicare, you could face the late enrollment penalties described on our Penalties page. Confirming creditable coverage status before you decide to delay is one of the most important steps in planning your Medicare timeline.
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