Moving from employer health coverage to Medicare takes more than replacing one insurance card with another. The timing can affect enrollment, prescription coverage, HSA contributions, and which plan pays first.
Confirm what kind of employer coverage you have
Coverage based on current employment is different from retiree coverage and COBRA. A Special Enrollment Period may apply when active employment or employer coverage ends, but COBRA generally is not treated as coverage based on current employment for this purpose.
Build a transition checklist
- Ask the employer or benefits administrator how coverage coordinates with Medicare.
- Confirm when active employment coverage ends.
- Check whether you need Part A, Part B, and Part D enrollment.
- Ask about creditable prescription coverage and late-enrollment consequences.
- Stop HSA contributions in time to avoid tax complications once Medicare begins.
- Compare Original Medicare plus supplemental coverage with Medicare Advantage.
Do not cancel employer coverage or delay Medicare based on a general rule. Review your exact circumstances with Social Security, Medicare, and the employer benefits administrator. Start with Medicare’s working-past-65 guidance.