Retiring From an Under-20 Employer? Get Part B
Usually yes. If the employer has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare is normally primary at 65. When retirement is near, you should confirm your Part B start date before the employer coverage changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I get a Special Enrollment Period when I retire from a small employer?
- Not the standard 8-month SEP that applies after leaving a large employer. With a small employer, Medicare was already supposed to be primary. Contact Social Security to review your specific options.
- Can I start Part B right before retirement to avoid a gap?
- Yes. If you are currently Medicare-eligible and not yet enrolled, enroll as soon as possible. Part B enrollment periods and start dates depend on when you apply. Contact Social Security or Medicare to check timing.
- What if I had Part A but not Part B while at my small employer?
- Part A covers hospitalizations, but without Part B you have no outpatient Medicare coverage. If your employer plan was treating itself as secondary while you had no Part B, claims may have been underpaid. Enroll in Part B as soon as possible.