Working Past 65

You may be able to delay Part B if you have coverage based on current, active employment. Employer size and how the plan coordinates with Medicare matter, so confirm the details with your benefits administrator before deciding.

Some people choose Part A at 65, but enrolling in any part of Medicare can affect HSA contribution eligibility. Review your situation first.

For smaller employers, Medicare may become the primary payer at 65. Ask your benefits team how your plan coordinates with Medicare.

Generally, you cannot contribute to an HSA once Medicare coverage begins. If you enroll in Part A after 65, it may be retroactive for up to 6 months, but not before the month you turned 65. Consider that timing carefully before making HSA contributions.

If you delayed Part B because you had coverage from current employment, your Part B Special Enrollment Period generally lasts 8 months after your employment ends or the job-based coverage ends, whichever happens first. COBRA does not extend this 8-month period. Keep records of your employer coverage and ask Social Security about the forms needed to enroll. For prescription drug coverage, ask whether your coverage is creditable: after you lose creditable drug coverage, you generally have 63 days to join a Part D plan without a late-enrollment penalty. Review current guidance at Medicare.gov.