Chat with us, powered by LiveChat
(855) 740-2227

Medicare Enrollment if You Have Coverage Through Spouse

If you are about to turn 65 in Illinois or already eligible for Medicare, but currently receiving health coverage through your spouse, you may be wondering if you need to enroll in Medicare.

Medicare or Group

The size of your employer decides whether or not you can delay enrollment in Part B without a penalty. In companies with fewer than 20 employees, Medicare becomes the primary insurer, with group secondary. If your current insurance will become secondary, then you should take Part A and Part B when you are first eligible. The reason is that the secondary only pays after the primary pays. If you choose to delay Medicare, you will not have a primary, and your out-of-pocket costs will be costly. If your employer has more than 20 employees and your group will remain the primary with Medicare second, then you may not need to enroll in Part B immediately as your current coverage will cover you.

Current Coverage

Group coverage in Illinois works differently once you become eligible for Medicare. After determining which one pays first, look at your coverage and find out how your current coverage changes once you or your spouse turn 65. Then you can decide if it’s worth having both coverages or delaying enrollment in Part B.

Special Enrollment

If you have group coverage and missed your Initial Enrollment, you can still enroll in Part B without paying a penalty. As long as you have coverage, you qualify for a Special Enrollment. And, you have an additional 8 months after losing coverage to enroll without paying a penalty. You’ll also get a guaranteed right to buy Medicare Supplement Insurance for six months after enrolling in Medicare Part B.

 

 

 

 

]References:

https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/get-parts-a-and-b/should-you-get-part-b/should-i-get-part-b.html#collapse-5783

MUC64-2017-BCBS

Testimonial Suzon was very pleased with Lilly being professional, knowledgeable and great at what she does. S. Lanz, Woodridge
Testimonial Debbie was so polite. She didn’t make me feel incompetent when I didn’t understand something. S. Scheibly, Decatur
Testimonial Kathleen was helpful and provided me with information quickly! M. Greaney, Oak Lawn

Latest News

Read all the news

Avoid Medicare Part D Penalty

Whether or not you take prescription drugs, you may want to consider your options carefully when it comes to joining…
Read more

Medicare Part D Creditable Coverage

As a Medicare-eligible policyholder, you have the right to know whether or not your current drug coverage meets the standard…
Read more

Medicare Advantage Coverage and Enrollment Periods

Medicare Advantage is a cost-saving option for many seniors to cover out-of-pocket expenses associated with Medicare. These plans include many…
Read more

Medicare Supplement Plan G Coverage Details

Most seniors in Illinois choose Medicare Supplement Plan G, due to the low out-of-pocket costs, and coverage for foreign travel….
Read more

Medicare Part D Prescripton Plans

Medicare does not provide coverage for medications. There are two ways to receive prescription coverage, enroll in a Part D…
Read more