Do You Need Medicare If You Still Work?
If you’re still working at 65, you might not have to enroll in Medicare right away—it depends on your employer coverage
Can You Delay Medicare While Still Working?
Yes — in many cases you can. If you’re still working past 65 and have creditable health insurance through your employer (or your spouse’s), you can delay enrolling in Medicare Part B without paying a penalty later.
Creditable coverage means your employer plan is as good as or better than Medicare’s standard coverage. Most large employers (20+ employees) qualify. However, if your employer has fewer than 20 workers, you usually need to enroll in Medicare when first eligible because Medicare becomes your primary insurance.
What Happens If You Delay Enrollment Without Creditable Coverage?
If you skip Medicare Part B and your coverage isn’t creditable, you may face a lifetime late-enrollment penalty that increases your monthly premium by 10% for every 12 months you delayed.
Additionally, you might experience a coverage gap because you can only enroll later during the General Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31), with coverage starting July 1.
Always confirm your employer plan’s status with HR before declining Medicare coverage.
Do you need to sign up for Medicare drug coverage (Part D) if you’re still working at 65?
If your employer plan’s drug coverage is not “creditable” (not as good as Medicare’s standard), delaying Part D can trigger a permanent late-enrollment penalty. This penalty is 1% of the national base Part D premium for every full month you went without creditable drug coverage after your Initial Enrollment Period—and it’s added to your Part D premium for as long as you have Medicare drug coverage.
Best Strategy for Working Adults Near Retirement
Check with HR: Ask if your company plan is creditable.
Compare costs: Sometimes Medicare Part B + a supplemental plan costs less than your employer plan.
Review prescription coverage: Ensure your drug plan is creditable to avoid Part D penalties later.
Plan your transition: Once you retire, you’ll have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period to join Medicare without penalties.
Consult a licensed agent: GenerationHealth can help you evaluate whether staying on your current plan or switching to Medicare makes better sense financially.
FAQ Section
Do I have to get Medicare if I’m still working?
No. If you have creditable employer coverage, you can delay Medicare Part B and avoid penalties.
How do I know if my employer coverage is creditable?
Ask your HR department for written confirmation. Plans from employers with 20+ employees are usually creditable.
Can I keep my employer plan and Medicare at the same time?
Yes. Many people keep both, especially if Medicare is secondary to an employer plan. You can coordinate benefits for broader coverage.
What happens when I retire?
You’ll have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B without penalties once your employer coverage ends.
Does COBRA count as creditable coverage?
No. COBRA is not considered active employer coverage for Medicare. You should enroll in Part B when first eligible to avoid penalties.
Still unsure how your work status affects your Medicare enrollment? You’re not alone — most people turning 65 have similar questions.
Here are a few helpful guides from GenerationHealth to help you confidently plan your next steps:
👉 When to Apply for Medicare – Avoid Penalties and Gaps in Coverage
Learn exactly when your enrollment window opens, what deadlines to mark on your calendar, and how to make sure your coverage starts on time.📄 What Documents Do You Need to Sign Up for Medicare?
Before applying, gather the right forms and proofs of coverage — this checklist can save hours and prevent delays.🧭 How to Sign Up for Medicare Parts A and B
Step-by-step guidance on enrolling through the Social Security Administration online or in person, plus how to verify your enrollment status.🕐 When to Apply for Medicare
Understand how the Initial, General, and Special Enrollment Periods work and which one fits your situation best.🧾 How to Correct a Medicare Application
If you made a mistake or need to update information, this guide walks you through corrections and appeals quickly and clearly.💼 Do You Need Medicare If You Still Work?
Explore whether your employer coverage is considered creditable and how to coordinate benefits without penalties.
Each page in this Medicare enrollment series was created by GenerationHealth to make the process easier, faster, and completely penalty-free — no guesswork, no jargon.
🧑💼 About the Author
Rob Simm is a licensed U.S. health insurance advisor and founder of GenerationHealth.me, specializing in Medicare, ACA Marketplace coverage, and supplemental health plans. With years of hands-on experience helping individuals, families, and seniors navigate complex insurance choices, Rob focuses on simplifying coverage options, breaking down costs, and guiding clients toward plans that truly fit their needs.
He is certified annually with top national carriers, trained in CMS compliance standards, and actively supports clients across North Carolina, Virginia, and multiple U.S. regions. Rob is known for his clear explanations, data-driven approach, and commitment to ethical, transparent insurance guidance.
When he’s not helping people compare plans or lower healthcare costs, Rob continues researching federal updates, Medicare rule changes, and marketplace trends to ensure every article at GenerationHealth.me reflects the most accurate, current information available.
For personalized help with Medicare or Marketplace coverage, connect with Rob at GenerationHealth.me.
📍 Based in North Carolina | ☎️ (828)761-3324 | ✉️ Contact Rob
⚖️ Compliance & Trust Disclaimer
Information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal or financial advice.
Plan availability, premiums, and benefits may vary by location and carrier.
Always verify specific details with a licensed insurance professional or directly with Medicare.gov before enrolling.
GenerationHealth.me and Robert Simm are independent agents and not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
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