Retiring Soon? What You Need to Do About Medicare First
Apply for Part B before your retirement date or within your 8-month Special Enrollment Period. Coordinate your Part B start date with your employer coverage end date. Also arrange Part D drug coverage and decide between Medigap and Medicare Advantage.
When This Applies
- You are planning to retire in the next 3-12 months
- You are 65+ and leaving employer coverage
- You need to transition from employer plan to Medicare
- You want to avoid any gaps in coverage
Frequently Asked Questions
- How early should I start planning?
- Start at least 3 months before your retirement date. Part B enrollment can take several weeks to process.
- What if I retire before 65?
- You're not yet Medicare-eligible. You'll need COBRA, Marketplace, or other coverage until you turn 65 and enter your IEP.
- Will my retiree plan replace Medicare?
- No. Retiree plans are secondary to Medicare. Most require you to have Part B. Without it, the retiree plan may pay nothing.