Actually, what I mean is, I don't see why I should even apply for Medicare Part A. I know it's free -- as opposed to Part B, which is around $135 or so a month -- but my employer health coverage will remain my primary coverage. So why should I sign up for Medicare Part A at 65? Can't I wait to enroll in both AFTER, or just before, I retire?There really is no danger is applying for Part A. Just don't pay for Part B.
Rick
Actually, what I mean is, I don't see why I should even apply for Medicare Part A. I know it's free -- as opposed to Part B, which is around $135 or so a month -- but my employer health coverage will remain my primary coverage. So why should I sign up for Medicare Part A at 65? Can't I wait to enroll in both AFTER, or just before, I retire?
You can reject Part A (although I know of none of my clients that did this). Since you have no premium why not keep it? It's not exactly duplicate coverage since it can cover some of our potential out of pocket costs if you are hospitalized.
Bottom line is don't overthink this. There is no downside that I know of to accept Part A.
Rick
Downside is, if I apply for Medicare -- even Part A -- someone told me I won't be eligible to contribute to, or receive employer contributions to, an HSA with my employer coverage. That's why I'm thinking of holding off signing up for Part A until after I retire.
So, now I'm thinking I should just hold off on applying for Medicare altogether (even Part A) -- that is, until I retire and am off my employer's health coverage.
I know there's a Special Enrollment period some people get, and I would qualify for that. But that's only for an eight-month period AFTER being off employer coverage (when I retire), right? That's when I can sign up for Medicare.
So there would probably be a coverage gap of at least one month. …. That's what I don't like.