Age 65 is a significant milestone. Even if you have no plans to retire anytime soon, you may be thinking about issues like how you’d like to spend your golden years and how much money you’ll have saved up for that purpose. Among them is the perennial favourite: “Do I have to sign up for Medicare if I am covered by my spouse’s insurance?”
Becoming Medicare-eligible brings with it a whole new set of rules, and it can be difficult to readjust your priorities to take advantage of the various Medicare alternatives that are now accessible to you. Here’s what you need to know about Medicare and your spouse’s health insurance if you qualify for both.
Do I have to sign up for Medicare if I am covered by my spouse’s insurance?
If your spouse’s company offers health insurance and you are currently covered by that plan, you do not need to enrol in Medicare. As long as your spouse maintains their employment, both of you can remain on the plan.
However, Medicare is an individual plan and does not cover spouses. When one spouse enrols in Medicare upon retirement, the other must also enrol. As a result, it’s wise to settle on your current or future insurance policy.
What are my options if I’m eligible for Medicare but currently covered by my spouse’s insurance?
When you turn 65, you have numerous Medicare coverage choices, including remaining on your spouse’s employer insurance. What you can do to secure the protection you and your spouse require is outlined below.
Option 1. Drop your spouse’s insurance and enroll in Medicare
It’s possible you’re thinking about switching from your spouse’s workplace plan to Medicare. Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, and Original Medicare (Parts A and B) are some other choices (Part C). Supplemental Medicare insurance is also available.
If you have health issues that are covered by Medicare Parts B, D, or Medicare Advantage, dropping your spouse’s coverage and enrolling in Medicare is a great alternative.
When you turn 65, you have the option of enrolling in Medicare or your spouse’s employer insurance. If you decide to enrol in Medicare, you must do so within your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). Starting in the month of your 65th birthday, you’ll have a set timeframe of three months to complete your Individualized Education Program.
Option 2. Keep your spouse’s insurance and enroll in Medicare Part A
Let’s say you hesitate before deciding whether or not to remove your spouse from his or her employer’s health insurance plan. There will still be time for you to sign up for Medicare Part A, in that instance. Medicare Part A is a great way to enhance your spouse’s job benefits because there is no cost for this coverage.
Late enrollment penalties do not apply to spouses who choose to enrol in Medicare Part B. Instead of waiting until age 65 to sign up, married people can take advantage of the Special Enrollment Period (SEP). The SEP begins after your spouse no longer receives health insurance from their employment and continues for a total of eight months.
Option 3. Keep your spouse’s insurance and enroll in Medicare later
When your spouse retires, you can easily continue to be covered by their employer’s insurance and switch to Medicare. Delaying your registration is an option worth considering. Delaying enrollment can be a wise choice if you are happy with the insurance coverage provided by your spouse’s workplace. Be sure you won’t require any of Medicare’s other services, like hospice care, before enrolling.
You can enrol in all of Medicare at your SEP, or you can wait like you would with just Medicare Part B.
If you or your spouse are already covered by another health insurance plan, you are exempt from Medicare enrollment. Just dial 877-255-0284 to reach us anytime. We’re glad to offer our assistance with such vital medical choices.
