Sunrise Benefits and
Insurance Services, Inc.

Is it necessary to sign up for Medicare at 65 if I’m still working?

Whether you need to sign up for Medicare at 65 while still working depends on your employer’s size and insurance coverage. If you or your spouse work for a company with 20 or more employees and have health insurance through that job, you can delay Medicare Part B enrollment without penalty until you stop working or lose that coverage. However, if you work for a company with fewer than 20 employees, you must enroll in Medicare Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period or face a 10% penalty for each full 12-month period you delay. This is because Medicare becomes the primary payer for smaller employer groups. If you have health insurance that’s not employer-based, such as Medicaid or Marketplace coverage, the rules vary by insurance type. It’s crucial to contact Medicare or a licensed agent to understand your specific situation, as making the wrong decision about enrollment timing can result in permanent monthly penalties and gaps in coverage.