Should I Enroll in Medicare While Still Working?
If your employer has 20+ employees and you have active group coverage, you can delay Part B. If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, you should enroll — Medicare is primary regardless of your employment.
When This Applies
- You are 65 or older and actively working
- You have employer health coverage
- You want to avoid paying Part B premiums while working
- You have an HSA and want to keep contributing
Frequently Asked Questions
- Should I at least get Part A while working?
- Usually yes, since Part A is typically free. But if you have an HSA, enrolling in Part A disqualifies you from contributing. Weigh the HSA benefit against free Part A.
- What happens when I retire?
- You get an 8-month Special Enrollment Period starting when your employment or employer coverage ends, whichever comes first.
- What if I work part-time?
- Part-time status doesn't matter — what matters is whether you're actively employed and whether the employer has 20+ employees.