Start with your current coverage
If you are covered by an employer plan and preparing to retire, the timing of your Medicare decisions can matter. Medicare Part B enrollment, creditable prescription coverage and any retiree coverage should all be reviewed before your employment coverage ends.
Questions worth reviewing before retirement
- When will your employer coverage end?
- Do you need to enroll in Part B now or later?
- How will drug coverage transition?
- Will a spouse or dependent also be affected?
- Do you want Original Medicare with Medigap, or a Medicare Advantage plan?
Bring these items to your review
- Your current employer coverage information.
- Your planned retirement date.
- A doctor list and prescription list.
- Any questions about travel, provider access and expected care needs.
Official resources
For official Medicare enrollment information, review Medicare.gov.
Leaving employer coverage
If you delayed Part B because you or your spouse had group health coverage based on current employment, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Social Security generally allows enrollment while that employment coverage continues or during the 8-month period after the employment or coverage ends, whichever comes first. COBRA and retiree coverage do not count as coverage based on current employment for this Part B Special Enrollment Period.