With any luck, spring will be around the corner for any of us still braving the cold and snow. I know you are anxious to put away that snow shovel, pull those spring bulbs out of the basement, and get them in the garden for a gloriously colorful April blooming. Gardening was one of my passions when I lived in the Midwest. Now, my passion is helping people transition to Medicare. I traded blooms for smiles!
A common practice in the workplace is when other coworkers try to help each other by expressing the urgency of enrolling in Medicare when turning 65 to avoid penalties later. Recently, one such employee called us concerned about the advice she was given.
We explained that well-meaning co-workers aren't Medicare experts, and sometimes you can defer your enrollment. Then we reviewed her healthcare options. (It was her luck that we were partners with her employer). We compared her group plan to Medicare and showed her why Medicare could be a better option for her, BUT in her case, she was not required to transition yet. She could stay on her employer plan if she desired without the risk of penalty for deferring it.
Can you safely delay your enrollment too? We are here to help folks before they turn 65. When you are on your employer's group plan, you aren't thinking about Medicare. We can explain why you should.
You can help us get the word out to your employer! We are here to help guide employees with clearing the confusion of Medicare to make Medicare at work 123easy.
Would you like a free CMS-approved Medicare Educational Workshop held at your company to benefit your employees? Your gift to them! Contact us to learn more.
By American Retirement Advisors
American Retirement Advisors helps retirees and pre-retirees navigate Medicare, estate planning, and retirement income — so you can enjoy the retirement you've earned.
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Easy Eddie's Take
The article hits on something really important here. A lot of people ask me, "Do I have to sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B as soon as I turn 65?" The answer depends on your work situation. If you're still working and covered by a group health plan with 20 or more employees, you can usually delay Medicare Part B enrollment without penalty. This is called the Special Enrollment Period, and it lasts for 8 months after your employment or group coverage ends, whichever comes first.
Here's the good news: Medicare educational workshops at work are incredibly valuable because they clear up these exact confusions. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services approves these presentations to ensure accurate information. Most people are surprised when they learn that Medicare Supplement plans and Medicare Advantage plans work completely differently, or that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn't cover prescription drugs without adding Part D coverage.
Think of it this way: a little expert guidance before you turn 65 can save you from costly mistakes later. And that's what makes planning ahead 123easy.