People With Medicare

Should you get Medicare Part B now?

The answer is probably yes. There is only one reason to consider waiting. You may want to wait if:

  • You are still working or your spouse is still working for a company with more than 20 full-time workers when you turn 65 AND
  • You get health insurance through your job or your spouse's job.

There are a couple of reasons why:

  • You can save money. There is a monthly premium for Part B. If you already get health coverage through your job or your spouse's job, you may not need Part B coverage. Check with your human resource department to find out, or get personal help.

  • You may miss out on your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. Medicare is not free, and you can buy special insurance to help cover Medicare's costs. It is called Medigap. But usually the Medigap insurance companies can review your medical history before they sell you a policy. This is called medical underwriting. The only time an insurance company cannot medically underwrite you is when you turn 65 and are signed up for Medicare Part B. This is called your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. It is a 6-month period to buy a Medigap policy. It is the best time to buy one. You only get one Open Enrollment Period, so be sure not to miss it.

      Note: If you are still working or your spouse is and you have health insurance through the job, you can delay Part B. Then you will get your Medigap Open Enrollment Period later on when you need it, when you enroll in Part B. Do not delay or decline Part B for any other reason.

If you decide to keep health coverage through your or your spouse's job, you can decline Medicare Part B. Just follow the instructions that come with your Medicare card. On the back of the card, check the box that says, "I decline Part B Medical Insurance." Sign the card, and send it back to Social Security.

You will still have Medicare Part A, which is free. Social Security will send you a new card that shows this. You then will have a short time to sign up for Part B:

If you do not have health insurance from your job or your spouse's job when you turn 65, usually you should take Part B. Sign the card, and keep it safe.

If you are still not sure whether to start Part B now or later, or you have more questions, get personal help.

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Information on this web site was compiled from approved materials of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.