Resource tool

Am I in my Medicare enrollment window?

Enter your birthday and work status to see which enrollment period applies to you — and whether you can safely delay Part B.

Check your enrollment window

For education only. Enrollment periods and penalties depend on your individual record and any prior creditable coverage. This tool follows Medicare's published rules but isn't an official determination. Confirm with a licensed MSIS Inc. agent or Medicare.gov / 1-800-MEDICARE.

Decision guide

Do I need to enroll in Part B yet?

A few quick questions for anyone approaching 65 while still working.

Are you (or your spouse) still working with health coverage through that employer?

About how many employees does that employer have?

You should generally enroll in Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period.

Without job-based coverage, delaying Part B can trigger a lifelong late-enrollment penalty — about 10% added to your premium for each full year you could have had it but didn't. From there, you'll choose your path: Original Medicare with a Supplement and a drug plan, or a Medicare Advantage plan.

Talk to an agent about enrolling

You can usually delay Part B without a penalty.

With 20+ employees, your group plan is typically the primary payer, so you generally don't need Part B yet. When the job or coverage ends, you'll get an 8-month Special Enrollment Period to enroll penalty-free. Many people still take premium-free Part A.

One caution: if you contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA), enrolling in any part of Medicare (including premium-free Part A) stops new HSA contributions. Plan the timing with your agent.
Get help comparing your options

You probably need Part B at 65.

When the employer has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare is usually the primary payer. If you don't enroll in Part B, your group plan may pay little or nothing — leaving big gaps. Most people in this situation should enroll in Part A and Part B during their Initial Enrollment Period. Confirm with your benefits administrator.

Talk it through with an agent

This guide covers the most common situations. Special rules apply to COBRA, retiree coverage, TRICARE, VA benefits, and the Health Insurance Marketplace — a licensed MSIS Inc. agent can sort out your exact case.

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