Part A Only in 2026: When to Delay Part B and HSA Risks
Part A only makes sense if you have qualifying employer coverage (20+ employees) and want to delay Part B. But if you have an HSA, enrolling in Part A means you must stop contributions — and Part A can be retroactive up to 6 months.
When This Applies
- You have employer coverage and want to delay Part B
- You want hospital coverage without paying Part B premiums
- You are deciding whether Part A affects your HSA
- You were auto-enrolled and are considering keeping only Part A
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Part A retroactive?
- Yes. When you apply for Part A (or Social Security) after 65, Part A can be backdated up to 6 months. This affects HSA contribution timing.
- Can I add Part B later?
- Yes. If you have qualifying employer coverage, you'll get an 8-month SEP when it ends. Otherwise, you must wait for the GEP (January–March).
- Does Part A cost anything?
- Part A is premium-free for most people with at least 40 work quarters (about 10 years). In 2026, paid Part A is $311/month with 30–39 quarters or $565/month with fewer than 30 quarters.