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Turning 65 · Tool 2 of 4

Still Working Past 65?

Check whether delaying may be OK, so confirm with your HR or benefits office.

Risk

Delaying Part B may be risky in your situation

Do this next

  1. If you lack qualifying current employer coverage (or the employer has fewer than 20 employees), delaying Part B can trigger coverage gaps and late enrollment penalties that usually last as long as you have Part B or Part D.
  2. Signing up during your Initial Enrollment Period around age 65 generally avoids a Part B late penalty and coverage gaps.
  3. If you already passed your IEP, look at GEP (Jan–Mar) or whether any SEP still applies.

Watch out for

  • Other insurance does not always let you delay Part B without a penalty. Confirm in writing.
  • Get a written benefits determination before you intentionally skip Part B.
  • The “20 or more employees” box means the employer that provides the coverage. On a spouse’s plan, count that employer, not a different job.
  • Medicare because of a disability usually uses a 100-employee rule, not 20. This check is the age-65 rule.
  • Premium-free Part A can start up to six months retroactively. Contributions to an HSA in those months can become excess.

For official information and to compare all plans in your area, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048). Related: Working past 65 · Part B late penalty · Creditable drug coverage.

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Educational estimates only—not Medicare, CMS, or Social Security advice. Figures use published 2026 reference amounts and can change. A licensed agent can review your situation before you choose or change coverage.