Retirement is more than money...
It's your life.
Julie Carrier
Medicare Basics
Medicare isn’t one-size-fits-all—and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Whether you’re turning 65, preparing to retire, continuing to work or already enrolled in Medicare, we can help. We’ll talk through your situation, explain your options and answer your questions in plain language.
Already have a Medicare plan? We can review your doctors, prescriptions, costs and benefits to make sure your current coverage still fits your needs.
Let’s have a conversation about what matters to you.
"I'm on Medicare and need to review my current plan."
Plans Change - Make sure yours is
still right for you.
Medicare plan costs and benefits can change each year—and so can your healthcare needs.
If you have a Medicare Advantage (MA or MAPD) plan or a Part D prescription drug plan, schedule an annual review. We’ll check:
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Premiums, copays and out-of-pocket costs
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Prescription drug coverage
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Doctors, hospitals and pharmacies
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Dental, vision and other supplemental benefits
If you have Original Medicare with a Medigap/Supplemental policy, we can also review your coverage and premiums.
Together, we’ll make sure your current coverage still fits your healthcare needs and budget.
"I'm turning 65 and retiring... What now?"
Congratulations on your retirement!
If you are already receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) when you turn 65.
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You should receive a welcome package with your Medicare card in the mail about three months before your 65th birthday.
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You can choose to opt-out of Part B if you do not want to pay the monthly premium, though this can lead to penalties if you don't have creditable coverage.
If you are not receiving Social Security
If you are not yet taking Social Security benefits, you must proactively sign up for Medicare. You will have two different windows for enrollment:
The most common way to sign up for Medicare when retiring is through a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
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When to enroll: This 8-month period begins the month after your job-based health coverage or your employment ends, whichever happens first.
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How to apply: You can apply online for Medicare Part B using the SEP-specific application on the Social Security website.
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Form CMS-40B: This is the application for enrolling in Medicare Part B.
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Form CMS-L564: You must also have your former employer complete this form to verify you had job-based insurance coverage.
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Coverage start date: If you sign up during the SEP, your coverage will begin the month after Social Security processes your request.
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Avoid gaps: To avoid a gap in coverage, it's best to sign up for Medicare the month before your employer coverage is set to end.
"I'm turning 65 but plan on working for a couple more years. What do I need to do?"
Keep Your Current Employer Coverage or move to Medicare?
Step 1: Check your current coverage
Ask your employer’s benefits administrator:
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Is your insurance based on your or your spouse’s current employment?
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Does the employer have 20 or more employees?
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Is the prescription coverage considered creditable?
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Are you contributing to an HSA?
Step 2: Follow the “20-employee rule”
20 or more employees: Your employer plan usually pays first. You may be able to delay Medicare Part B and Part D without penalties while covered by active employment.
Fewer than 20 employees: Medicare usually pays first. Enroll in Parts A and B during your seven-month Initial Enrollment Period to prevent coverage gaps and penalties.
Individual, Marketplace, COBRA or retiree coverage: These generally do not protect you from a late Part B penalty. Plan to enroll at 65.
Step 3: Watch the deadlines
Your Initial Enrollment Period includes the three months before your 65th birthday, your birthday month and the three months after.
If you delay Medicare because of active-employment coverage, you generally have:
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Eight months after the employment or coverage ends to enroll in Part B.
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63 days after creditable prescription coverage ends to enroll in Part D.
Step 4: Check Social Security and HSA rules
If you already receive Social Security, you may be automatically enrolled in Medicare.
You cannot contribute to an HSA after Medicare begins. Because Medicare Part A may be backdated by as much as six months when you enroll after 65, stop HSA contributions in advance.
You can continue working, delay Social Security and make your Medicare decision separately. Always confirm your specific situation with your employer’s benefits administrator before delaying enrollment.