Skip to main content

One of the most frequent questions I get about Medicare is “Do I need to sign up for Medicare when I turn 65 if I have employer group coverage?” And the answer is: It depends….

It depends on the size of the employer group and some other factors:
• Your cost for the coverage (including premium contribution and out of pocket expenses for deductibles, copays and your annual out of pocket maximum)
• If the employer plan benefits meet your needs (benefits, provider network)

NOTE: If your employer group is less than 20 employees, you should sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B when you are first eligible or face a lifetime late enrollment penalty. Your Initial Enrollment Period is a seven month window:

• 3 months prior to your 65th birthday,
• your birthday month and
• 3 months after your birthday month

With employer groups of less than 20 full time employees, Medicare is the primary payer and your employer group coverage pays secondary based on the benefit plan.

If your employer group is more than 20 employees, and offers medical and prescription drug coverage that is at least as good as Medicare (aka "creditable coverage"), you may not need to sign up for Medicare Part B right away. However, it's important to review the benefits and cost of your employer plan compared to the benefits and cost of Medicare plus a Supplement and drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan. In many cases, people save money by enrolling with Medicare.

There are several options for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans available, and the key is determining which one will offer you the best coverage based on your healthcare needs, your lifestyle and your budget.

Medicare agents must be licensed in the state they sell products and must complete an annual certification and insurance company specific product training each year to assure they are qualified to help beneficiaries in making good choices. If you need assistance with your Medicare decisions, please contact me at 206-569-5415 or by email at suderloy@gmail.com. I am a licensed and certified health insurance agent in WA State and represent multiple health insurance companies. I can help you with your decision and enrollment for the plan that best meets your needs.

Saratoga Passage, Camano Island

A Comment by MFish

Your avatar
MFish • 06/15/2021 at 11:17PM • Like Profile

Love it. You caught the Sun as it nestled in the clouds.

A Comment by Loy

Your avatar
Loy • 06/17/2021 at 05:05PM • Like Profile

thank you! the sunset and clouds change second by second - it's difficult to get a bad shot!

A Comment by MFish

Your avatar
MFish • 03/10/2021 at 08:48AM • Like 1 Profile

Nice! Especially the one with jeans. Great pictures, Loy.

A Comment by Loy

Your avatar
Loy • 03/10/2021 at 03:31PM • Like Profile

Thank you. Love having wildlife for pets!

    Did you know that we have a whole section dedicated to your local community?
Post or read about current happenings or bits of local history. Serious or fun. Invite your friends and neighbors to join. Click the image below to see more.

QUICK LINKS

Share some of your memories and history of Camano Island

SECURITY & SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS - HOME AUDIO  425-379-7733

360-454-6973 - Camano Island, WA

100% Satisfaction - 360-572-4737