It is important to sign up for Medicare on time to avoid paying late penalties. The initial enrollment period starts three months before you turn 65, continues during your birthday month, and ends three months after your birthday month.[0]
Some people continue to work after they turn 65.[1] If you are working in a job that employs more than 20 full-time employees and offers a group health plan (as defined by the IRS) – or if your spouse is the one continuing to work and you’re covered under your spouse’s plan – you can sign up for Medicare at a later time without facing those late penalties. You have eight months to enroll from the time you leave your job or when you lose your employer-sponsored health plan, whichever comes first.[2]
Do I need to sign up for a Medicare plan at age 65 if I’m still working?
It is important to sign up for Medicare on time to avoid paying late penalties. The initial enrollment period starts three months before you turn 65, continues during your birthday month, and ends three months after your birthday month.
Some people continue to work after they turn 65. If you are working in a job that employs more than 20 full-time employees and offers a group health plan (as defined by the IRS) – or if your spouse is the one continuing to work and you’re covered under your spouse’s plan – you can sign up for Medicare at a later time without facing those late penalties. You have eight months to enroll from the time you leave your job or when you lose your employer-sponsored health plan, whichever comes first.