Ask Rusty — Do I Have to Sign Up for Medicare at 65?

Dear Rusty: I will be turning 65 soon, I am already retired, and I am not receiving Social Security yet. My question is: Is there anything I must do if I do not want Medicare? I am covered under my wife’s employer health plan, and she works for the Postal Service as a Rural Carrier. She does not plan to retire for another eight years. I also want to wait until my full retirement age of 67 before I claim Social Security. Do I have to take Medicare at that point? Signed: Retired but Curious

Dear Retired but Curious: As long as you remain covered by a “creditable” health plan, such as the one provided through your wife’s U.S. Postal Service employer coverage, you may delay Medicare enrollment until that coverage ends. At that point, you and your wife would qualify for a Medicare Special Enrollment Period, which allows you to sign up without a late-enrollment penalty. In your situation, you do not need to take any action regarding Medicare when you turn 65.

That remains true no matter when you file for Social Security. If you claim Social Security at 67 and your wife is still working for USPS, you will need Medicare Part A, which covers inpatient hospital services. Part A is premium-free for people who are also eligible for Social Security.

Medicare Part B, which covers outpatient medical services, is different. It is optional because it carries a premium, and you can keep postponing Part B as long as you still have creditable coverage through your wife’s employer, even if you are receiving Social Security.

When you apply for Social Security, you can let Social Security know that you are not taking Medicare Part B because you are still covered by your wife’s USPS health plan. Then, after your wife retires and you lose that employer coverage, you can enroll in Part B at that time without facing a late-enrollment penalty.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. It reflects the opinions and interpretations of the AMAC Foundation staff, who are trained and accredited by the National Social Security Association. NSSA, the AMAC Foundation, and its staff are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other government entity. To submit a question, visit our website (amacfoundation.org/services) or email us at [email protected]).