Tip 208- Coordinating Private Insurance with Medicare

People routinely work past age 65. If they have health insurance through their employer, do they need to sign up for Medicare?

Yes, if you work for a business with fewer than 20 employees. That’s because for small businesses, Medicare is presumed to be primary. Your insurance only kicks in after Medicare pays its share.

No, if you work for a larger employer. That’s because the employer group plan is considered primary.

In all cases, after age 65, once “current” employment ends, Medicare is considered primary. That would include COBRA coverage through a large employer.