Turning 65 while still employed is one of the most confusing Medicare situations. Getting it wrong can mean permanent penalties or months without coverage. We make sure you get it right.
Your Medicare decision depends on a few critical factors about your employer coverage.
If your employer has 20+ employees, your employer plan is primary — Medicare is secondary. If fewer than 20, Medicare is primary. This single fact changes everything about what you should do.
Most people should enroll in Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) at 65 even if they're still working — it's usually premium-free and doesn't interfere with employer coverage.
Whether to enroll in Part B at 65 or delay depends on your employer's plan quality and size. Delaying without a valid reason creates a permanent late enrollment penalty.
If you're contributing to an HSA, enrolling in any part of Medicare — including Part A — makes you ineligible to contribute. This is one of the most commonly missed traps for working seniors.
Retiring triggers a Special Enrollment Period — timing it correctly is critical.
When you lose employer coverage (retire or lose the job), you have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period to sign up for Medicare Part B without penalty. Don't wait for COBRA to run out — the SEP begins when you lose active employment coverage.
If you're 65+ and enrolling in Part B for the first time, you get a fresh 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period — the window where you cannot be denied a Supplement for any health reason.
You also get a Special Enrollment Period for Part D when losing employer coverage. If your employer's drug coverage was creditable, you've been protected from the late enrollment penalty — now you need to enroll within 63 days.
When you retire, get a letter from your employer confirming your coverage was "creditable" for Medicare purposes. This protects you from late enrollment penalties and may be required when enrolling.
Learn More
In-depth articles from Jennifer Mauldin covering Medicare for South Carolinians still working after 65.
The complete guide to navigating Medicare while still employed in South Carolina.
Read the guide →The deadlines, decisions, and steps every SC resident needs to know when turning 65.
Read the guide →When you do retire and enroll in Medicare — here's how to choose between your two main paths.
Read the guide →The intersection of employer coverage and Medicare is full of traps. One free call ensures you make the right decision for your situation.
Jennifer Mauldin | 843-509-2462 | jennifer@mauldininsurancegroup.com