Is it Mandatory to Sign Up for Medicare at Age 65?

Approximately 10,000 American seniors turn 65 every day. When they do, they’ll officially be eligible for Medicare, the United States’ health insurance program for seniors, certain younger people with disabilities and people with End-Stage Renal Disease. But as more and more seniors work beyond age 65 or rely on private health insurance plans, many ask, “Do I have to sign up for Medicare when I turn 65?”

Medicare is not mandatory, as there are some situations in which seniors can delay their enrollment. However, in most cases, you should enroll in Medicare Parts A and B once you turn 65. If you’re approaching your 65th birthday, here’s what you need to know.

When Medicare enrollment is mandatory

Generally speaking, you should sign up for Medicare Part A at age 65 when you enroll in Social Security. Part B, while not required, can also be added at that time.
If you receive Social Security benefits before your 65th birthday, you’ll automatically be enrolled. If you don’t, you’ll need to sign up for Medicare on your own.

Uninsured or privately insured seniors should sign up for Medicare Parts A, B and potentially D during their seven-month Initial Enrollment Period. This begins three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after you turn 65.

Seniors who have a retiree healthcare plan or who are covered under COBRA may need to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B during their Initial Enrollment Period, too. Medicare and your other plan will work together to provide you with a range of benefits, but Medicare will be your primary plan.

Failing to sign up when you’re eligible can lead to a gap in coverage, as well as late enrollment penalties that increase the cost of your monthly Medicare premiums.

What if you’re insured through your employer?

If you turn 65 when you’re still actively working for an employer that offers a health insurance plan, your Medicare enrollment situation might be a little different.

If you or your spouse are employed by a small company with fewer than 20 employees and are on their health plan, you still need to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B. You can remain on your employer’s insurance plan, too, but Medicare will be your primary insurance coverage.

However, if you’re employed by a larger company with 20 or more employees and are on their health insurance plan, you may be able to retain that coverage and delay your enrollment in Medicare. After you lose that coverage or stop working for the employer, a Special Enrollment Period will begin, during which you’ll need to sign up for Medicare.

Seniors in this situation are able to delay enrollment in both Medicare Parts A and B. Many people still enroll in Medicare Part A right away because it is free for most seniors. You can also enroll in Medicare Part B if you choose, but that coverage will be secondary to your employer’s, and paying the additional monthly premiums may not be in your best interest.

On the other hand, it’s not always a good idea to delay enrolling in Medicare, even if you have employer coverage. Consider the benefits your employer’s health plan offers. If the coverage isn’t that robust, it may be better for you to expand your healthcare coverage by adding Medicare.

Plan ahead to review your options

Planning ahead for Medicare is extremely important, whether you’re required to sign up at age 65 or you plan to delay your coverage. If your 65th birthday is approaching, start by looking into your Medicare options and determine which Medicare plan is right for you.

Not sure if Original Medicare (Parts A and B) are enough to meet your healthcare needs? PlanEnroll represents a range of Medicare plans that can connect you with the benefits you’re eligible for.

PlanEnroll is a brand operated by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC and used by its affiliated licensed insurance agencies that are certified to sell Medicare products. PlanEnroll is not endorsed by the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), or any other government agency.