How Medicare works when you’re on someone else’s insurance

Turning 65 means that it’s time to think about Medicare. But it also means that you might have questions about when to enroll and how to avoid late enrollment penalties. Another question that is often asked is what to do about Medicare when you are on someone else’s insurance (e.g., your spouse).

Don’t feel overwhelmed! At ApexHealth, we want to help you learn how Medicare works. Here are two scenarios to address what you need to do and when you need to do it:

1. If you’re turning 65 and on someone else’s insurance
2. If you’re 65 or older and on someone else’s insurance

I’m turning 65 and I’m currently on someone else’s insurance. What do I need to know about Medicare?

If you’re on someone else’s health plan and they are going to continue working past your 65th birthday, check with their employer to make sure you can still stay on their plan. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do now to get ready for Medicare:

• Learn about the different types of Medicare. (Here’s a quick overview.)
• Call an ApexAssistant and let us help you understand your options and next steps.
• Contact the Social Security Administration to learn about your enrollment options.

I’m 65 or older and I’m currently on someone else’s insurance. What do I need to know about Medicare?

You can stay on someone else’s insurance until they retire, or you lose your health insurance (whichever comes first). At this time, you must enroll in Original Medicare if you haven’t already. And while you may still be on someone else’s health insurance, there are still a few things you can do now to get ready for Medicare:

• Learn about the different types of Medicare so you know your options. (Here’s a quick intro to Medicare.)
• Chat with an ApexAssistant to find out if Medicare Advantage plan would be beneficial for you.
• Enroll in Original Medicare Part A by contacting the Social Security Administration. (You can delay enrolling in Part B as long as you are on the other person’s health plan.)
• Make sure you start thinking about Medicare coverage at least three months before your spouse retires. (Learn more about the Medicare timeline from a previous blog post.)

No matter what your situation is – still working, not working, or if you’re on someone else’s insurance or if you are not yet 65, turning 65 or past 65, the ApexHealth team is here to help you get your action plan.  

If you still have questions, our ApexAssistants have answers. Give us a call at (844) 279-0508 (TTY: 711). Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (local time) from Apr. 1 through Sept. 30 and seven days a week 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (local time) from Oct. 1 through Mar. 31.

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