What Happens to My Employer Coverage When I Retire?
When you retire, your active employer coverage ends. You may be offered COBRA or retiree coverage, but Medicare becomes primary. You should enroll in Part B before or when your employer coverage ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How soon should I sign up for Part B?
- Ideally, coordinate your Part B start date with your last day of employer coverage. You can apply up to 8 months after coverage or employment ends.
- Should I take COBRA or Medicare?
- If you're eligible for Medicare, you should enroll in Medicare rather than relying on COBRA alone. COBRA is secondary to Medicare and may not cover much.
- What if I have retiree coverage?
- Retiree coverage works alongside Medicare but is secondary. Enroll in Part B — your retiree plan is designed to supplement Medicare, not replace it.