Should I Delay Medicare? Employer Plans vs. Medicare Coverage 

Thank you Stephanie for the informative videos. I'm turning 65 in May of 2022 I have signed up for Part A but not Part B as I'm planning to work till age 66 and 6 months. I'm currently on an employer health plan and pay less than 170.00 per month. I also am a veteran and I use the VA health care system. Any advice as to whether I'm doing the right thing.

Very informative video. I am 66 wife still working and has about another 8-9 years to go yet. I have been on her employer's health plan she works for a large corporation that has well over 20 employees. I go back and forth on the issue whether I should go onto part B or stay with her plan. Yes complicates process deciding this. Too many working parts in the US health care system.

Just shared with family members that recently turned/will turn 65 for an easy to understand breakdown for decision making on whether to delay signing up. You covered all the bases in under 15 minutes- Fantastic! Thanks Stephanie.

This was a very honest and informative video. Thanks so very much for the info

Thanks for your help, especially Heather (via email)! These videos are great. Also, whoever restyled your lighting and camera angle, etc., from the pre-2022 setup, - awesome job!

Thank you so much! Hubby on SSD and I'm still working (I'm 61). He is covered under my employer insurance. This is an excellent and succinct with no b.s.! Thanks again. I'll be doing some comparisons for sure

This is exactly my predictament, in the next year (4 months before employer new enrollment), (7 months before I reach 65)

I love the way you explain such a complicated subject. You slowly and throughly explain to understand it so well.Do you have a Extension?

Please - give me all of your feedback and constructive criticism! What topic should I cover next?

Thanks, very helpful

Sound is very good!

I’m guilty of skipping about in the video but…sometimes when Employer health costs more than Medicare, staying with the employer plan makes sense if it covers not only you but a spouse and or a dependent under age 26.

Another issue one needs to keep in mind is the provider network. Most providers do accept Medicare, however, Part C will have a provider network and services would only be covered if that provider is in their network. They also, may have a huge, separate, out-of- pocket deductible and co-insurance on out of network providers. So, if you plan on traveling, a traditional Medicare supplement maybe be a better choice, as they tend to have larger provider networks in other states. (i.e. AARP thru UHC). When someone selects a Med Advantage product, make sure your providers are in that Med Advantage network that you elect. Having to change to new providers is a game changer for most people.

Thank you for sharing. Keep up the good work.

Thank you. You were extremely helpful.

I have been hearing horrific stories about how many Advantage plans have refused to cover their patients' medical issues. However, many Americans cannot afford the cost of Plan B and a supplemental, and a drug plan.

Explaint direct Contracting. what is a TPA? Are those the same?

I can't thank you enough for your channel and the information you provide. May I ask again in light of any changes in Medicare in 2022: To confirm. I am still working and plan to continue to work until my wife and I collect social security at 100% which is 66 years and 6 mths for her and 8 months for me. In fact I may work until nearly 70 years old due to the current market trend. I actively cover health insurance for my spouse through my global company employer. This year my wife turns 65 before I do. In July I plan to enroll her in Medicare Part A ONLY, 3 months prior her turning 65 to avoid penalty AND delay her enrollment into Part B / Medigap / Part D until I retire from my employer and not during my IEP. When ready to retire I will gather evidence of having health insurance coverage via my employer when applying for Part B for us both during the SEP period with forms CMS-40B and CMS-L564. Wheww... Is that right? Many thanks

Thanks for the information and the help making these decisions it can get very confusing during this transition. Has there been any changes in the donut hole for 2022?

Awesome job Stephanie. Comprehensive and accurate, I've been a broker for 20 years.

What about coverage for my spouse who is 3 years my junior? I will be 65 this year, and I plan to work (more than 20 employees) at least to my full retirement age, but even then, my spouse will still be 18 months from their 65th birthday anniversary.

Hi Stephanie, we talked last year when I turned 65. I am a teacher on TRS. I will become FRA for SSA this November, but, I still working. Since I am a teacher, and is not feasible to retire in the middle of the year, specially with teacher crisis, am planning to continue on to 2023, and the retire. My question, as you are here in Texas, how does Medicare compare to TRS; because I may just drop from TRS this August, and start on to Medicare starting in Sep 1st… what do you think I should do?

I only signed up for Part A at 65 (2020) as my wife's insurance covered me. Can I add Part B and supplement plans before she retires and if so, what is the "window" to do so? Thanks!

Thanks so much for the great info. Is the “80/20” rule something to consider too? My employer’s insurance seems to be the way to go for me due to this Medicare rule. Thanks again.

Thanks for your videos, they are very helpful. My wife and I are both retired, me many years ago, she just this year at age 65. I carry a very expensive government retirement health plan with Kaiser. I would like to transition to Medicare for both me and my wife but not certain if this will be advantageous to us. It seems like financially it would save us money, I'n concerned with the benefits between both insurances, I don't want to loose any that I get from Kaiser.

What is considered a "very high" deductible?

My employer won’t allow staying on company plan once we reach age 65. At 65 active and retired employees must enroll in Medicare in order to get any employer contribution. Th8s includes spouses. So there are employees and spouses on different plans. My employer also charges a $500 penalty (annual) if your spouse (below 65) is on your company plan but could get coverage through their employer.

Stephanie, very well done. I have a question around HSA. Our scenario is my husband turns 65 Sept 2023. I'll be 62 in Aug 2023. My husband wants to start taking his retirement benefit check around 10/1 but we are NOT going to enroll him in Part A & B since as you stated we have an employer rich plan and more than 20 employees, until I retire.. I contribute the maximum to our HSA with a slight employer match to about $8K or whatever the max is for myself and my spouse (no kids). My question is, is it better for my husband to wait until January 1, 2024 to receive his first retirement check since I would have been contributing most of this year into our HSA and not suffer any penalties (or would we incur any penalties at all if we are NOT enrolling him in medicare Part A or B in 2023? If you could please explain all the HSA rules and if it's related to taking Part A and B only or both receiving a retirement check AND being enrolled at least in Part A? I had learned that you can't contribute to an HSA six months prior. However, I'm wondering since I'm 62 this year, can I still contribute the MAX of $8K or just half, as an individual for myself. Sorry for my long questions, all this stuff is difficult to navigate! thanks,

I’m turning 65 in 6 months. My wife is 70 and enrolled in part A. We are both collecting SS and I am working as well. My employer health plan costs me $300 biweekly to cover the two of us. It seems like it would be less expensive if we each sign up for part B/advantage plan on my birthday this year. Am I confused?

These videos are amazing! Thanks for sharing, from one broker to another. Can I ask you, are you reading off of a script and if so did you place a monitor in front of you?

So my employer says all employees (and spouses) must switch to Medicare at age 65, whether Active or retired. If we want company contribution towards benefits we must use Via Benefits broker hired by company. My wife is 2 years older than me and will have to come off company plan and go on Medicare at age 65. Employer plan cannot be primary or secondary at age 65.

I just retired from my job at 65 yo. I am now on my domestic partner’s health insurance plan with her company. I want to make sure that I am not going to be penalized being on her plan even though we are not married. I did call Medicare and they said this was acceptable but the person I spoke to did not seem sure of themselves.

thanks,,,good timing,,,,would have liked to hear the income thresholds before the $170.00 goes up

Happy customer of your agency. I do have a question about IRMAA? Is this a one time look at income or does it get annual review. Barely escaped the grasp of it by lucky decision to remain employed for just a few months more. 2019 was an unusuall year of some distributions. Made decision to continue working until 1/1/22. Then they looked at 2020 and saved a ton of Part B premiums.

Will you be covering the DCE pilot program for Medicare? A couple of the other channels are covering this issue and it sounds concerning

Re employer coverage vs part D: not eligible for medicare quite yet but I have been looking around. I take an self-injected biologic and have just been put on a weekly dose. All the Part Ds that I see have such drugs as a Tier 5, and thus I have to pay 5% in the catastrophic coverage phase, so the cheapest I found is an annual cost (just for this drug) of around $14,000. On my spouses plan (with coupons from the manufacturer which aren't allowed under medicare) I am paying about $60 a year, quite a difference! In your experience, are all Part Ds going to be somewhat similar, or are their plans with a cheaper top tier.

Intelligence and beauty, what a combination beautiful 😍

Thank you for such informative videos. Are you and your team licensed in Arizona? Just curious for future reference.

So, nobody told me about the HSA thing and I continued to put money in my HSA for a few months until I found out. I had some problems with my tax return, but eventually got my tax return money. That was several years ago. This year I got a letter from IRS saying they were reviewing my tax return. It's been a couple months, Is it possible they have made a mistake in the past and are now reviewing it for that? When you say "Tax Penalties" what do you mean?

I am 66 and have not signed up for B but they signed me up for A when I started receiving SS. (really messed up my HSA had to withdraw and pay taxes). My question is when I do want to retire losing my health coverage how long will it take to be covered by Medicare and either a gap or advantage plan where there is no loss in coverage?

Thank you for your videos I will be retiring at the age of 71 to receive my full pension I will sign up for medicare part A when I turn 65 When I retire at 71 I will sign up for Parts B D and G Question is will there be any penalties? Will I be required to take a physical to be accepted for parts B D G ? Will my premimums higher since I am retiring at 71? Thank you for your time John

Are you able to work with people in michigan? And how do I get in contact with you? Thank you.

Hello! What if by mistake I got enroll on PART B? Age 65, still working for a few more months, and with an employer that has over 20 workers…. What do I need to do to fix that?

I will turn 65 in June. I will continue to work until my 67th Birthday. I have an employee HSA , so I want to delay my Medicare A & B. What forms do I need or who do I need to get in contact?

Hi Stephanie, I retired in 2019, have terrific healthcare coverage for my wife and I which is fully paid for by my employer and I will be 65 in August. I suspect I will automatically be enrolled in Medicare A & B soon. 1) Do you think I should enroll in Part B since my wife and I have lifetime Healthcare Coverage through my company? 2) If they automatically enroll me in Part B and I decide I don't want it, do I just return the Part B card? FYI ~ My employer has over 400 employees and my wife is working a few more years Thanks

Why would I want to drop employer insurance unless they make it worth my while. Currently they pay around $1000 a month which is part of my annual compensation package why would I be willing to take a $12000 a year pay cut for the privilege of doing the same job???

Can your office help me decide which company is best for a G plan and drug coverage- I need coverage starting May 1

Since I'm turning 65 this March . And I will continue to work with a premium insurance coverage by my employer . Should I apply for part A coverage. Or continue to wait until I deside to retire. And do you provide your services in FL. Thank you for the services you provided with your videos.

I work for a large company do I need to sign up for Medicare part a . Or can I do this when I no longer work thank you for any help

I am employed with medical including dental, vision and prescriptions. My wife just turned 65. Does it make sense to have her enrolled in m we medicare part A only?

Thanks for this and other very helpful videos. I plan to continue working and only start Medicare Part A as my employer health insurance/size qualifies for such. My question - HOW do I delay --is there a form my employer must fill out to be submitted to Medicare to delay Medicare Part B, etc...? This question has been impossible in terms of finding an answer online or otherwise. Thanks for your help (if you know the answer :-)). (PS: I know about the form (and have a copy) for the later special enrollment period once my group health insurance coverage ends, which is proof of prior coverage...but what about any forms required to prove CURRENT coverage to delay part B, etc.?)

If they go with cobra and enroll in part b will they get get Lep? Is cobra considered creditable drug coverage?

Hi Stephanie. If I am the employer with a business less than 20 employees, am I kind of forced to keep my health insurance through my business because if I did not my wife who is less than 65 and children less than 25 would not be covered since they have there insurance as dependents under my business health insurance. Thanks.

Thanks. I turn 65 next month and have qualifying employer coverage for self and family. I understand it is in my interest to delay Part B in my particular case, but I am not finding enough information regarding whether I should or shouldn't enroll in Part A at this stage? It seems to me there is no downside to enrolling in Part A and there may be potential benefits to that with hospitalization coverage etc.. Can you please confirm that is the case and, if so, why not make it a recommendation to enroll in Part A when first eligible?

I work now for city government. I am planning on retiring next year and working full time at a Casino that is being built in my city in VA. Me and my 13 year old son on now on my city insurance . With my son on my insurance my concern if I go on Medicare he will not be covered. I assume I will be able to put him on the casino job insurance when I am employed there. What suggestions would you have for me to het medical dental and vision insurance for my child if I did choose to go onto Medicare. I assume they will not cover my child. Thank you very much.

64, took Social Security at 62. On my wife's Large group (>20)plan. This indecisions bugging me, should I stay or should I go?

Hello. If you delay Part A&B because of employer heathcoverage until age 70 and then enroll in Medicare, will you still qualify to get Supplemental coverage?

My employer at age 65 does not offer medical insurance but they do offer some type of benefits to be used for supplemental insurance to Medicare. I’m not sure exactly about the details but I retired at age 62 and I pay my premiums to Chard Snyder and is considered COBRA even though it is the same coverage essentially as a full time employee I am a bit confused

My husband is actively employed in a company with more than 20 employees. He will turn 65 in Nov. this year but I won't turn 65 until next July. I'm assuming we should continue his employee health benefits until I am 65 then opt out as it will most likely be cheaper to do so. We also contribute to an HSA. Will he recieve a penalty if he waits? Or can he sign up for Medicare but leave me on the employer benefits plan?

Hii Thanks you soo much for making such a great and informative video I wanna ask you that would you like to work with outbound sources I am here in Pakistan and we deal with quality work

Hello. I have some questions about Medicare. First of all my birthday is on 09/23/1956 and I work in a big company that has about 1,541,000 employees and I chose (Aetna HSA, high deductible plan coverage). I want to know that is it ok to delay Medicare until I work at this company? The next question is that my wife’s birthday is 05/14/1959 and she will turn to 65 on 05/14/2024. She works at a big company with about 2,300,000 employees and has employer (KP DHMO Coverage). Is it ok to delay Medicare until she works at this company? Please let me know. Thank you.

How would I make sure that I don’t automatically get enrolled in Part A or B. Don’t want it to mess up the HSA and get tax penalties.

such an amazingly convoluted game the government makes us play. it should not be like this.

Hello. I have some questions about Medicare. First of all my birthday is on 09/23/1956 and I work in a big company that has about 1,541,000 employees and I chose (Aetna HSA, high deductible plan coverage). I want to know that is it ok to delay Medicare until I work at this company? Because of injury at workplace I am off-work for almost one year and I am under treatment. Does this plan works for me? The next question is that my wife’s birthday is 05/14/1959 and she will turn to 65 on 05/14/ 2024. She works at a big company with about 2,300,000 employees and has employer (KP DHMO Coverage). Is it ok to delay Medicare until she works at this company? Please let me know. Thank you.

hi thanks for the video's. my employer says i have ro enroll in medicare at age 65. 8000 employee's, PA. i dont know if they pay for anything after that, what has been your findings. i probaly will retire at 65 1/2, 66. and sign up for ss at 66 1/2 my official date. thank you.

Just fyi...Regarding the 20 or LESS Empoyee Rule: It is NOT JUST 20 or LESS and you HAVE to sign up for Parts A & B without being Penalized Rule! My hubby works for a small PUD (Public Utility Dept) with LESS than 20 employees but has GREAT (Cadillac Insurance) and he wants to work until he reaches full retirement age on Feb 2025. We were told by pretty much everyone (including here on RU-vid) that if you work for an employeer that has LESS than 20 employees, then you HAVE to get Parts A & B regardless of whether or not you WANT to stay on your employers health insurance (when it IS still available) or you get PENALIZED! Well, we just found out from Medicare and confirmed through Social Security that you CAN delay getting parts A & B until you retire and NOT get penalized IF you have continual coverage through your employer or spouse's employer, and fill out the two forms required to prove it and request when you want to start Part B (CMS-L564 & CMS-40B) upon retirement. Part A will automatically start when you enroll in Social Security upon retirement also. To recap: You do NOT have to sign up for Parts A & B if you're working for an employer with LESS than 20 employees IF your employer will continue your health insurance AND you want to keep using it INSTEAD OF Medicare OR you are covered under your spouses health insurance and you want to keep using that until you retire. So, it's NOT just a More/Less 20 employee rule, it's a: "IF you choose to keep the available employers coverage (IF they still offer it/don't change anything)or not rule", really. All of this Medicare stuff can be so overwhelming. Just thought I would add a scenerio that some might be dealing with. 😊 Thank you for all the great info you are providing!

Hi Stephanie. Excellent video. I own my own business. I pay for my health insurance and my spouse through my business. The business has less than 20 employees. Am I right in saying according to your advice, that I should sign up for Medicare as primary and keep my insurance as secondary so that my wife does not lose her coverage. Then when my wife turns 65 she can sign up for Medicare and I can drop my plan through my business. Thanks.

If I work past 65 will I be penalized with a delay in the purchase of a supplement plan?

What is Saha plan

Depends on which is the better plan. We dumped pur crappy employer plan and signed up for Medicare and Supplement as soon as we could! The employer plan cost almost as much, but had a $5,000.00 deductible! No thank you! Medicare was much better.

COLORADO?

If a person is allowed to wait 8 months to enroll in Plan B after the employer health sponsored health plan ends, wouldn't that create an insurance gap? If they enrolled right away after losing employer coverage, even using the SEP, would they have to undergo underwriting to get enrolled in a supplemental plan G?

confusing... I have employer paid HC, I turn 65 this year.. my spouse is 5 years younger, not working. Do I need to sign up for part A or not? Yes, its a large company.

I am 66 and have not signed up for B but they signed me up for A when I started receiving SS. (really messed up my HSA had to withdraw and pay taxes). My question is when I do want to retire losing my health coverage how long will it take to be covered by Medicare and either a gap or advantage plan where there is no loss in coverage?