Can I drop my employer’s health insurance and go on Medicare?
People nearing the age of 65 or over the age of 65 wonder about Medicare and the coverage they can get. Can I drop my employer's health insurance and go on Medicare? Read more to find out the specifics of employer insurance and Medicare and to learn how to find the most affordable life insurance rates in your area.
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Dani Best
Licensed Insurance Producer
Dani Best has been a licensed insurance producer for nearly 10 years. Dani began her insurance career in a sales role with State Farm in 2014. During her time in sales, she graduated with her Bachelors in Psychology from Capella University and is currently earning her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Since 2014, Dani has held and maintains licenses in Life, Disability, Property, and Casualt...
Licensed Insurance Producer
UPDATED: Feb 7, 2024
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.
UPDATED: Feb 7, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- People aged 65 and older, or people with certain disabilities, are eligible for Medicare coverage.
- There are two parts to Medicare, Part A, and Part B.
- Most people should sign up for Medicare Part A coverage as soon as they are eligible despite other health insurance policies they may have at the time.
- Part A Medicare coverage is hospital insurance and covers the costs of hospital and short-term nursing-home stays.
More people are working at the age of 65 than were in previous generations when Medicare was first written into law. You may be still be working and receiving employer health insurance when you turn 65 and become eligible for Medicare.
You may wonder, can I drop my employer’s health insurance and go on Medicare? Should I drop my health insurance through work and go on Medicare?
These are important questions to ask. We will go over key information that will help you make the best decision for your situation. When you’re ready to start comparing life insurance quotes in your area, enter your ZIP code above. If you’re not yet ready to buy life insurance, read on to learn more.
Should I drop my employer health plan and go on Medicare?
This is a question many people face. The answer isn’t completely simple, but we’re going to try and simplify it. There are two parts to Medicare, Part A, and Part B. Part A is hospital insurance.
This covers the costs of hospital stays, etc. Most people who have been working and paying into Medicare throughout their life qualify for free Part A coverage.
Part B covers the costs of medical services, doctor’s visits, etc. Medicare Part B costs money every year in health care coinsurance. When you turn 65, you should sign up for Part A coverage whether or not you have employer health insurance since you will likely get this coverage for free.
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The real question is whether you should sign up for Part B coverage if you already have employer health insurance coverage. If you work in a place with less than 20 employees, you should sign up for Part B coverage when you become eligible.
However, if you work in a bigger company with more than 20 employees, you should see your human resources representative and find out if you are currently on a group health care plan. If so, you should delay getting Part B coverage.
What happens if I don’t get medicare?
If you don’t get Medicare when you become eligible and you try to get Medicare later, you could be charged a late fee for failing to enroll. If you know you are going to stick with an employer health plan, reach out to Medicare and file for a delay in coverage so you are not penalized later.
Medicare coverage is a great health insurance resource for many people. When you are ready to start comparing Medicare quotes in your area, enter your ZIP code below. Which life insurance company is for you? Find out now.
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Case Studies: Transitioning from Employer’s Health Insurance to Medicare
Case Study 1: Transitioning From Employer’s Health Insurance to Medicare at Retirement
John, a 65-year-old individual, is planning to retire from his job and wants to explore the possibility of dropping his employer’s health insurance and enrolling in Medicare.
John has been covered by his employer’s health insurance throughout his career. As he approaches retirement, he is considering his options to find the most suitable healthcare coverage.
After careful analysis, John decides to drop his employer’s health insurance and enroll in Medicare. He determines that Medicare offers comprehensive coverage at a more affordable cost, considering the premiums, deductibles, and copayments.
John consults with his employer’s benefits department to understand the retirement process and how to transition smoothly onto Medicare. He successfully enrolls in Medicare and begins utilizing its benefits upon retirement.
Case Study 2: Considerations for Early Retirement and Transition to Medicare
Sarah has been working for the same company for over 30 years, and she has employer-sponsored health insurance. She is eager to retire early but is unsure about healthcare coverage until she becomes eligible for Medicare.
After thorough research and consultation with financial and healthcare advisors, Sarah decides to retire early and enrolls in COBRA continuation coverage to maintain her employer’s health insurance until she turns 65 and becomes eligible for Medicare.
She plans her retirement finances accordingly to cover the COBRA premiums during the bridge period. Sarah successfully transitions onto Medicare at the age of 65 and continues to enjoy comprehensive healthcare coverage.
Case Study 3: Exploring Dual Eligibility for Employer’s Health Insurance and Medicare
Lisa, a 68-year-old employee, is eligible for both her employer’s health insurance and Medicare. She wants to examine the advantages and disadvantages of retaining her employer’s health insurance alongside Medicare coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drop my employer’s health insurance and enroll in Medicare?
Yes, you can drop your employer’s health insurance and enroll in Medicare if you meet the eligibility requirements.
When can I enroll in Medicare?
You can enroll in Medicare during the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) or the General Enrollment Period (GEP). Your IEP is usually the seven-month period surrounding your 65th birthday, and the GEP runs from January 1 to March 31 each year.
What happens to my employer’s health insurance when I enroll in Medicare?
When you enroll in Medicare, your employer’s health insurance becomes your secondary coverage, and Medicare becomes your primary insurance.
Will I lose any benefits if I drop my employer’s health insurance?
That depends on the specific benefits offered by your employer’s health insurance plan. You should review the plan documents carefully and speak with a benefits specialist to understand the impact of dropping your employer’s coverage.
Can I enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan if I drop my employer’s health insurance?
Yes, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan if you drop your employer’s health insurance. However, you should review the plan options carefully to ensure that you choose the best plan for your needs.
Will I still have to pay the Medicare Part B premium if I drop my employer’s health insurance?
Yes, you will still be responsible for paying the Medicare Part B premium, even if you drop your employer’s health insurance.
Are you looking for free insurance quotes?
Your one-stop online insurance guide. Get free quotes now!
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Dani Best
Licensed Insurance Producer
Dani Best has been a licensed insurance producer for nearly 10 years. Dani began her insurance career in a sales role with State Farm in 2014. During her time in sales, she graduated with her Bachelors in Psychology from Capella University and is currently earning her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Since 2014, Dani has held and maintains licenses in Life, Disability, Property, and Casualt...
Licensed Insurance Producer
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.