If you’ve reached the age of 65 or above and either you or your partner is still gainfully employed with coverage under an employer-sponsored health plan, it may not be necessary to enroll in Medicare Part B when you turn 65. You might be eligible for a “Special Enrollment Period” (SEP), which allows you to sign up for Part B:
* Throughout any month in which you are still insured under the employer health plan and the employment of you or your spouse is ongoing; or
* Within an eight-month window that starts with the month after your job-based health plan coverage or employment ends, whichever is earlier.
* In case the health plan from your employer is linked to severance or retirement pay and the relevant employment ceased within the previous eight months.
Should your employer health plan end during the initial enrollment window for Medicare Part B, you aren’t eligible for an SEP. This initial enrollment period commences three months prior to the month in which you reach 65 and concludes three months following your 65th birthday month. Note that neither COBRA coverage nor retiree health plans are considered as being based on active work.
Individuals who are beneficiaries of Social Security disability and have group health coverage through their own or a family member’s ongoing employment are also afforded a special enrollment period with rights parallel to workers aged 65 and beyond.
For further clarity on Part B enrollment periods, delve into the detailed information on general and special enrollment periods found in the “Signing up for Medicare” segment within our “Medicare” pamphlet or consult with your personnel department.
From Understanding the Medicare Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
