If you continue working past age 65 when you become eligible, you may have the option to keep your group health insurance and enroll in Medicare as well. In this case, there may be some confusion over how the two plans will work together.
When a person has more than one insurance provider, they are assigned as primary and secondary payers. The primary insurance receives the claim first and pays their portion, then sends the rest to the secondary insurer. Even with a secondary insurer the cost may not be covered in full.
If you or a spouse is working and you have coverage through an employer with more than 20 employees, they will be the primary payer. If the business has less than 20 employees Medicare would be the primary.
Why enroll in Medicare?
If you choose to stay with a group health plan provided through an employer, you’re not required to enroll in Medicare Part B, however, you may end up paying a penalty for late enrollment when your plan runs out.
You may find that a Medicare plan can cover more for a lower cost or provide benefits that your employer does not. If you’re unsure of which plan is right for you, a licensed broker can help you sort through options and find one that fits your budget and lifestyle.
Who pays?
If you’re confused about who pays first on your claims you can call the Benefits Coordination & Recovery Center (BCRC) at 1-855-798-2627 (TTY: 1-855-797-2627).
Be sure and communicate with your doctors if you decide to make changes to your policies or plans.
Diane “Dee” Lee Insurance, is an experienced licensed insurance broker and representative providing Medicare (parts A and B), supplemental Medicare, Medicare Advantage (part C) and Medicare Prescription (part D) plans. Diane Dee Lee Insurance also provides healthcare plans to cover dental vision, hospital stays and more. Serving as a Medicare Broker in Deer Valley, Peoria, Glendale, the Phoenix-metro area, as well as the counties of Pima, Pinal, Coconino, Gila, Mohave, Apache, Navajo, Maricopa and Yavapai. Licensed and appointed with multiple insurance carriers, Dee is available to meet in person (with necessary social distancing guidelines) or virtually. Please call (623) 251-6612 or email dleeski@reagan.com