Can I Stay on My Husband's Insurance When I Turn 65?

December 19, 2024•3 min read

Understanding What Happens When You Turn 65

Reaching your 65th birthday marks a significant milestone, especially when it comes to health insurance. At this age, you become eligible for Medicare, a government health program designed primarily for those 65 and older. But what if you're already on your husband's employer plan? Can you continue with your current health insurance?

When you become eligible for Medicare, you have several options:

Keep your husband's employer plan if it's still active and offers credible coverage.
Enroll in Medicare to supplement or replace your current plan.
Consider Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plans for additional coverage.

It's essential to understand the costs of Medicare and the benefits of each option to make the best decision for your health needs.

Why You Should Enroll in Medicare When You Turn 65

While you might be tempted to stay on your spouse's plan, enrolling in Medicare during your initial enrollment period is crucial. This period begins three months before your 65th birthday and lasts for seven months. Failure to sign up for Medicare can result in a late enrollment penalty.

Key reasons to consider enrolling include:

Access to Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance).
The opportunity to add a Medicare prescription drug plan, also known as Part D.
Avoiding late enrollment penalties that increase your premium.

Even if you have employer coverage, enrolling in Medicare ensures you don't face gaps in your health insurance coverage.

The Basics of Medicare Parts and Coverage

Medicare offers several parts, each covering different aspects of healthcare:

Medicare Part A: Covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice, and some home health care.
Medicare Part B: Covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.
Medicare Advantage (Part C): An alternative to Original Medicare that often includes additional benefits like vision and dental coverage.
Medicare Part D: Provides prescription drug coverage.

Understanding these parts can help you decide whether to enroll in Medicare or stay with your insurance plan.

Considering Delaying Medicare Enrollment

If you decide to delay enrolling in Medicare because you have employer coverage, be aware of the potential risks. Delaying beyond your initial enrollment period without a valid reason can lead to higher premiums due to penalties.

However, if your husband's plan qualifies as "creditable coverage," you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period once his employment ends. During this time, you can enroll in Medicare without facing penalties.

Medicare Enrollment and Eligibility

To determine your Medicare eligibility, you must be 65 or older, a U.S. citizen, or a permanent resident. If you have been receiving Social Security benefits, you'll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B when you turn 65.

If not, you'll need to sign up for Medicare during your initial enrollment period or risk late enrollment penalties.

Choosing the Best Option for Your Health Insurance Needs

Deciding whether to stay on your spouse's insurance or enroll in Medicare can be challenging. Consider the following:

Compare the benefits and costs of Medicare against your current plan.
Determine if a Medicare Advantage Plan could offer additional benefits you need.
Consult with an insurance agent to explore all your options.