Medicare Mentors LLC – Advocating for Everyone Who Has Medicare
More Americans are choosing—or needing—to work beyond age 65. If that includes you, understanding how Medicare fits into your health care coverage is essential. The rules can vary depending on your employer size, your prescription coverage, and whether you want to keep contributing to a Health Savings Account (HSA).
At Medicare Mentors LLC, we believe every person who has Medicare deserves the right information at the right time to avoid costly mistakes and maintain seamless health coverage.
Here are some key considerations, inspired by Medicare expert Phil Moeller’s insights:
1. Employer Size Impacts Medicare Enrollment Rules
- 20 or more employees — Your employer’s group health plan is typically your primary coverage, and you may be able to delay enrolling in Medicare without penalty.
- Fewer than 20 employees — Medicare usually becomes your primary coverage at age 65, and you’ll want to enroll promptly to avoid gaps or penalties.
2. Compare Your Employer Plan With Medicare
Even if you can stay on your employer’s health plan, it’s worth comparing that coverage — including costs, provider networks, and prescription benefits — with what you could receive through Medicare.
You may find that switching to Medicare (and possibly a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan) could save you money or provide better benefits.
We can help you compare your options at no cost, so you can make the best decision for your health and budget.
3. Verify Prescription Drug Coverage Is Creditable
If you stay on an employer plan, confirm your prescription drug benefits are “creditable” — meaning they are at least as good as Medicare Part D. Without creditable coverage, delaying Part D enrollment could result in a lifetime late-enrollment penalty.
4. Consider Signing Up for Medicare Part A
Part A (hospital coverage) is usually premium-free if you have enough work history. It can serve as a secondary payer to employer insurance, potentially lowering your costs for hospital or skilled nursing care.
Note: If you enroll in Part A, you can no longer contribute to an HSA — an important factor if you’re still funding one.
5. Actions to Take Now
- Ask your HR department about your plan’s rules and how Medicare fits in.
- Request a letter verifying whether your drug coverage is creditable.
- Compare the total costs and benefits of your employer coverage versus Medicare.
- Evaluate Part A enrollment against your HSA plans.
- Have a transition strategy ready if you plan to retire, change jobs, or lose coverage.
Why This Matters for Everyone With Medicare
Medicare rules aren’t one-size-fits-all, especially if you’re still working at 65 or older. Knowing the right timing, comparing your coverage options, and making informed choices can help you avoid unnecessary costs and keep the coverage you need.
Medicare Mentors LLC delivers NO COST education and services to ensure EVERY person with Medicare understands all their options to optimize coverage and benefits — and we commit to advocate for you today and all your tomorrows.
Questions about working past 65 and Medicare?
We can help you review your employer coverage, compare it with Medicare, and find the plan that’s best for you — at no cost.
Call us at (719) 886-3377
Visit www.MedicareMentorsLLC.com