I turned 65 in the month of September and currently working, I’m currently have full medical coverage under my employer. Will I still need to sign up for Medicare Part A? Will I be penalized for not registering with Social Security?

A) Medicare and Working Past 65: A Quick Guide

Great question! Let’s break down your situation:

Medicare Part A:

  • You might not need to sign up immediately: If you’re still working and have employer-sponsored health insurance, you may be able to delay enrolling in Part A. This is because your employer’s coverage might be considered primary.  
  • However, it’s important to check with your employer: They can provide specific information on how their coverage interacts with Medicare.  
  • Benefits of enrolling early: Even if you don’t need Part A right away, there are benefits to enrolling when you’re first eligible. You’ll avoid late enrollment penalties, and you can access Part A coverage if you ever lose your employer-sponsored insurance.

Social Security:

  • Delaying enrollment won’t result in a penalty: You can delay claiming Social Security benefits without penalty, even if you’re 65. The amount you receive will adjust based on when you start collecting benefits.

Here’s a quick recap:

  • Check with your employer: Determine how their coverage interacts with Medicare.
  • Consider enrolling early: Even if you don’t need Part A immediately, it can be beneficial to enroll when you’re first eligible.
  • Delay Social Security if needed: You can delay claiming Social Security benefits without penalty.

For more detailed information, I recommend visiting the official Medicare website: https://www.medicare.gov/