Employer Under 20? Don't Delay Part B at 65
Usually no, not safely. If the employer has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare usually pays first at 65 even if you are still actively working, so the employer plan may pay second or deny claims if you skip Part B. Delaying Part B in this situation also accumulates a permanent late-enrollment penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does it matter that I am still actively working?
- For employers with fewer than 20 employees, no. Employer size is the controlling factor. Medicare is primary at 65 regardless of your employment status.
- What if my employer plan seems comprehensive?
- Plan quality does not change who pays first. Even a generous small-employer plan is legally secondary to Medicare. Without Part B, Medicare has not paid, so the secondary plan covers very little.
- Can I delay Part A instead?
- Part A is usually premium-free for most people. Delaying Part A has separate considerations (such as HSA impact), but the key issue for claims is Part B — it covers outpatient care and doctor visits.