Medicare
Can I have Medicare and employer health insurance at the same time?
Yes. Which pays first depends on employer size. 20+ employees: employer pays first, Medicare pays second. Under 20 employees: Medicare pays first, employer pays second. Can delay Part B enrollment without penalty while covered by employer. 8-month Special Enrollment Period when employer coverage ends. COBRA does NOT count as creditable coverage for avoiding the Part B penalty.
Key Points
- 20+ employee company: employer pays first, Medicare pays second
- Under 20 employees: Medicare pays first, employer pays second
- Can delay Part B enrollment without penalty while covered by employer
- 8-month Special Enrollment Period when employer coverage ends
- COBRA does NOT count as creditable coverage for avoiding Part B penalty
- Always notify Medicare when your employer coverage status changes