Your Spouse Is Retiring — What Does That Mean for Your Medicare?
When your spouse retires and you lose their employer coverage, you have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period to sign up for Part B without penalty. Act promptly — don't wait until COBRA or the employer plan fully expires.
When This Applies
- Your spouse is retiring and you were on their employer plan
- You are 65+ and will lose coverage when your spouse retires
- You need to transition to Medicare from your spouse's plan
- Your spouse is younger and changing jobs
Frequently Asked Questions
- What if my spouse dies instead of retires?
- The same SEP rules apply if you lose employer coverage due to a spouse's death. You get 8 months to enroll in Part B.
- Can I get COBRA while I wait for Part B?
- Yes, but COBRA is secondary to Medicare. Enroll in Part B immediately — don't wait for COBRA to end.
- What if my spouse changes jobs but doesn't retire?
- If the new employer covers you with a 20+ employee plan, you can continue delaying Part B.