Medicare Part A&B
How to Defer Medicare Part B & Enroll in Part A only
Since you have group creditable coverage (see video on right), you can wait to enroll in Medicare Later. You have the option to not enroll (defer) both Medicare A and B, or you can enroll in premium free Part A and defer Part B which has a cost.
Generally we recommend that you enroll in Part A to get your Medicare number established. It is not required, but does not cost you anything.
However, if you have an HSA (Health Savings Account) on your group health plan, you should not enroll in either Medicare Parts A or B. Please visit our Defer Parts A and B webpage if you have an HSA plan.
Deferring is easy but will depend on if you are already collecting social security income:
More information on the Request For Employment Information
This form is necessary to show you have a valid enrollment period and to avoid a Medicare Part B late enrollment penalty.
- Please take this form to the Human Resources Department to complete.
- You will need a form completed for each spouse that wishes to apply for Medicare.
- The form confirms you have had creditable coverage since you turned age 65, which will show that you are eligible for enrollment; as well as, waive a late enrollment penalty.
Creditable coverage is verified on the form by:
- The dates the Employee was Actively Employed.
- The date you were covered under the Group Health Plan.
- The start date should reflect the initial enrollment in group coverage NOT the date of your last enrollment period.
If you have not been covered under the same employer since you turned age 65, you will need an Employment Verification Form from each employer that provided you group coverage.
- If your employer is out of business or unable to sign this form, other acceptable verifying documents may be accepted. Contact HTA if you need a list of other acceptable types of documentation.
What is Group Creditable Coverage? 1m10s
Enrolling Later:
The Request For Employment Information form provides the creditable coverage information to avoid a Medicare Part B penalty when you enroll after age 65. This form is not required until you are ready to enroll.
- There is no need to notify Medicare now if you are not enrolling.
- No need to keep this form, we can provide the current version when you are closer to enrollment.
- If you change jobs after age 65, you will be required to get this form completed by each employer that provided Group Health Benefits after age 65.