The Planning Corner: Do You Need Medicare at 65 if You’re Still Working?
May 15 2026 | Back to Blog List
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:
David Ernst: Hi everybody, I'm David Ernst, partner at Cedar Point Capital Partners, and I'm joined by Nick Timm, our director of financial planning.
Today we're talking about Medicare and working past age 65, specifically the enrollment rules if you stay on your employer plan. Nick, what is the initial enrollment period?
Nick Timm: The initial enrollment period is the three months before your birthday month, your birthday month, and then the three months after. So, if you don't have coverage through a qualifying employer, that's your time to get enrolled in Medicare.
David: A lot of our clients are covered by an employer plan at age 65. What is the special enrollment period?
Nick: You would qualify for the special enrollment period if you did have coverage through a qualifying employer--that's typically an employer that has 20 employees or more. There's an eight-month window after that coverage lapses that you would then be able to enroll in part B.
David: And when does someone not get the special enrollment safety net?
Nick: Those who are retiring early and maybe get on a marketplace plan, stay on a COBRA plan or maybe have a retiree plan. These plans do not qualify you for that special enrollment period.
David: And how do you help people think about Medicare Part A and Part D if they're still working?
Nick: A lot of people will enroll in Part A right away because there is no premium. The caveat there is, if you want to continue HSA contributions, you can't do that with Part A. So that's something to consider.
Also, with Part D, we're looking at whether or not your current coverage is creditable. If it is, you can continue your current coverage. If not, then you enroll in Part D.
David: If you're approaching age 65 and still working, the right Medicare timing depends on your employer plan and how long you plan to work, not just your birthday. If you'd like help coordinating Medicare with your retirement and tax planning, reach out to us at cedarpointcap.com.
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