Maybe I have a mental block, but I am under the impression you can enroll in Part B after turning 65 without penalty if you are covered under an employer group health plan.
Female, turns 65 in November, 2011. Currently covered under spouse employer plan (20+ employees). Spouse will continue working another 1 - 2 years.
As I understand -
Group plan is primary. When group coverage terminates this triggers an SEP (special enrollment period) giving her up to 8 months to enroll in Part B without penalty. When she enrolls in B, she has 6 months to enroll in a gap plan on a guaranteed issue basis, just as if she had turned 65.
What did I miss?
Part of my confusion comes from the Medicare website.
In particular, this last line.
This seems to indicate you are subject to an LEP even if you were covered under a group plan.
Female, turns 65 in November, 2011. Currently covered under spouse employer plan (20+ employees). Spouse will continue working another 1 - 2 years.
As I understand -
Group plan is primary. When group coverage terminates this triggers an SEP (special enrollment period) giving her up to 8 months to enroll in Part B without penalty. When she enrolls in B, she has 6 months to enroll in a gap plan on a guaranteed issue basis, just as if she had turned 65.
What did I miss?
Part of my confusion comes from the Medicare website.
In particular, this last line.
You didn’t take Medicare Part B when you were first eligible because you or your spouse were working and had group health plan coverage through your or your spouse’s employer or union.
This seems to indicate you are subject to an LEP even if you were covered under a group plan.
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