Losing Employer Coverage & Medicare | The Medicare Dude
Losing Employer Coverage: Transitioning to Medicare
When you lose employer-sponsored health insurance — whether through retirement, job loss, or a spouse's coverage ending — you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to enroll in Medicare without penalty.
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William Gray
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"Very Knowledgable and personable! William made a seemingly difficult transition easy and seamless. I appreciated his unbiased opinion and personalized what was best for me. He took great care in listening to my concerns. I never felt rushed and felt he took a personal interest in assisting me to make the best choice. Not one of those "Big box" sales as seen on TV. Highly recommend William."
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If you are 65 or older and currently covered by an employer group health plan (your own or a spouse's), you are not required to enroll in Medicare Part B while that coverage is active. However, once that employer coverage ends, you have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period to enroll in Part B without penalty.
The 8-month SEP begins the month after your employment ends OR the month after your employer coverage ends — whichever comes first. Do not wait for COBRA to end; COBRA is not considered employer coverage for SEP purposes.
Failing to enroll during your SEP can result in a permanent Part B late-enrollment penalty of 10% for each 12-month period you were eligible but not enrolled. This penalty is added to your monthly Part B premium for life.
Once you enroll in Parts A and B, you also have a 63-day window to enroll in a Part D drug plan without penalty. You will also have a guaranteed-issue right to purchase a Medigap supplement plan in most states during this transition period.
What to Do Next
Document Your Coverage End Date
Get written confirmation of your employer coverage termination date — you will need this for your SEP enrollment.
Enroll in Part B Within 8 Months
Contact Social Security to enroll in Part B during your Special Enrollment Period. Do not delay.
Do Not Rely on COBRA
COBRA continuation coverage does not qualify as employer coverage for SEP purposes. Enroll in Medicare before COBRA ends.
Add Part D and Supplement Coverage
Use your guaranteed-issue rights to add a Medigap plan and enroll in a Part D drug plan within 63 days.
Other Medicare Life Events
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"I contacted William to assist my wife and I after moving to Florida from another state. He contacted us immediately and scheduled a phone appointment for the following week. We spent about an hour getting to know each other and our needs. He recommended several companies to match our needs and our location here in FL that we would NEVER had figured out on our own. Praise the Lord for Bill and for his help!! I would recommend him to anyone and everyone!!"
Jim M.
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Julie K.
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JKC
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"Navigating the healthcare system is complex to say the least. This is where The Medicare Dude, William Gray, shined for us on the road to consummating an ideal configuration for our unique and collective situations. William is not just a registered healthcare broker professional, but he is also a wealth of knowledge and sage consult in our best interests. He's always available when questions arise."
TinaKelvin B.
Medicare client · Verified Google Review
"I required an insurance broker with comprehensive knowledge in the field, and William Gray exceeded my expectations. He visited my home and provided a thorough explanation of various Medicare products. As a result, he helped me select the best supplement and achieve a significant reduction of over $150 per month in premiums."
Debra A.
Medicare client · Verified Google Review
"Very Knowledgable and personable! William made a seemingly difficult transition easy and seamless. I appreciated his unbiased opinion and personalized what was best for me. He took great care in listening to my concerns. I never felt rushed and felt he took a personal interest in assisting me to make the best choice. Not one of those "Big box" sales as seen on TV. Highly recommend William."
Sharon H.
Medicare client · Verified Google Review
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Losing Coverage? Act Quickly.
The 8-month window moves fast. William can walk you through every step of the transition at no cost.
Licensed in multiple states · Independent · No cost to you