Medicare Part B

Can I delay enrolling in Medicare Part B?

Some people may get Medicare Part A "premium-free." Still, most people have to pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part B. Because Medicare Part B comes with a monthly premium, some people may choose not to sign up during their initial enrollment period if they are currently covered under an employer group plan (either their own or through their spouse's employer).

If you are still working, you should check with your health benefits administrator to see how your insurance would work with Medicare.

Suppose you delay enrollment in Medicare Part B because you already have current employer health coverage. You can sign up later during a Special Enrollment Period without paying a late penalty. You can enroll in Medicare Part B at any time you are still covered by a group plan based on current employment. After your employer's health coverage ends or your employment ends (whichever comes first), you have an eight-month special enrollment period to sign up for Part B without a late penalty.

Remember that retiree coverage and COBRA are not considered health coverage based on current employment and would not qualify you for a special enrollment period. If you have COBRA after your employer coverage ends, you should not wait until your COBRA coverage ends to sign up for Medicare Part B. Your eight-month Part B special enrollment period begins immediately after your current employment or group plan ends (whichever comes first). This is regardless of whether you get COBRA.

What services are not covered by Part B?

Part B only covers some services. You'll need to pay for them out of pocket. Some examples of these include:

• Routine physical examinations
• cosmetic surgery
• Dental care, including dentures
• Vision care, including eyeglasses or contact lenses
• Hearing aids
• Alternative health services like acupuncture and massage
• Long-term care
• Most prescription drugs

When can I apply?

• Initial enrollment period: Around the time you turn 65, you have a 7-month opportunity to enroll in Medicare. It starts three months before your birth month, includes your birthday month, and lasts for three months following. You are not charged a fee to sign up for any aspect of Medicare during this time.

• Open enrollment period (October 15–December 7). You can move from original Medicare (parts A and B) to Part C (Medicare Advantage) or vice versa. You can also add, withdraw, or modify a Part D plan. You can also swap Part C plans.

• General enrollment period (January 1–March 31): If you didn't sign up for Medicare during your original enrollment period, you could do so now.

• Special enrollment period: You can re-enroll in Medicare later during a special enrollment period if you postpone signing up for it for a valid reason. After your coverage expires or work ends, you have eight months to enroll without incurring fees.

• Medicare is not easy to understand, and you need to consider many factors before finalizing which is the right fit for you. Our experts can help guide you. Talk to us today to know more.