Still Working at 65: Can You Delay Medicare Part B Without a Penalty?
Learning goal: Know when job-based coverage lets you delay Part B without a penalty, how the 8-month Special Enrollment Period works, and why COBRA and retiree coverage don't count.
Short answer
Often, yes. If you or your spouse are still working and have group health coverage from that job, you can generally wait to sign up for Part B without a late penalty. When the job or coverage ends, whichever comes first, you have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period. COBRA and retiree coverage don't count as job-based coverage.
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The Fuller Picture
Ask the employer whether you need Medicare at 65: with some employer plans, your job-based insurance might not pay for services if you don't sign up. Medicare.gov warns that COBRA doesn't extend your time to sign up, so don't wait for COBRA to end. Keep proof of your job-based coverage for when you apply for Part B.
Key Takeaways
- Medicare.gov: once you stop working or lose your insurance, "you have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) when you can sign up for Medicare."
- The 8 months start when you stop working or lose coverage, even if you choose COBRA.
- COBRA doesn't extend your time to sign up for Medicare.
- Retiree coverage and coverage not available to everyone at the company may not count.
- Ask your employer whether its plan requires you to have Parts A and B at 65.
Real-World Example
Ray
Ray turns 65 while working at a large company with group health coverage. He delays Part B. He retires at 67 and takes COBRA, assuming he can sign up for Part B when COBRA ends 18 months later. But his 8-month window started when he stopped working, so by then it has closed. He could face a gap and a lifelong penalty. He should have signed up within 8 months of retiring.
Common Mistakes
- Waiting for COBRA to end before signing up for Part B.
- Assuming retiree coverage lets you delay Part B.
- Not asking whether your employer's plan pays only after Medicare.
- Losing proof of job-based coverage you'll need when you apply.
Interactive Exercise
Check Before You Delay Part B
Answer these before deciding to wait.
Tick each step as you do it. Your checklist is saved in this browser.
Knowledge Check
Question: You retire at 66 and take COBRA. When does your 8-month window to sign up for Part B without a penalty start?
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Questions to explore next
Questions readers often ask next about this topic:
- Can I delay Part B while I'm still working?
- Does my employer's plan require me to have Medicare?
- What if I take COBRA after retiring?
- What proof of coverage do I need to sign up later?
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The factual claims on this page were checked against these sources. Rules and figures change, so check the source itself if you need to confirm the current version.
- medicare.govWorking past 65 · Medicare.gov (U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)
Educational information, not advice: This lesson is for general education only, not legal, financial, or insurance advice. Actual coverage, discounts, and requirements depend on your policy’s wording, your insurer, and the laws of your state. Confirm specifics with your own insurer or a licensed agent before making a decision. Insurpedia does not sell insurance and does not recommend specific insurers. Rules and 2026 figures are from Medicare.gov. Figures change each year, and your situation may differ. For personal help, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) or Social Security. Educational information, not advice.