Can I Have Medicare and Employer Coverage

Can I Have Medicare and Employer Coverage

July 11, 20252 min read

Still working at 65? Or on your spouse’s plan?
You might not need to give up your job-based insurance just yet—but ignoring Medicare altogether can lead to expensive mistakes.

The Problem

Medicare and employer coverage don’t always play nicely together.
And if you assume “my job covers me, I’m fine,” you could:

🚫 Miss your Medicare enrollment window
💰 Get hit with late penalties
🏥 End up paying for claims your employer plan won’t cover

Most people don’t realize that the size of your employer (or your spouse’s) and who pays first makes all the difference.

The Guide

At Mere, we’ve helped thousands of people understand how Medicare and employer insurance can work together—or against you.

Whether you want to keep your group coverage, transition slowly, or just avoid penalties, we’re here to make it simple.

The Plan: Know Your Options and Pitfalls

Step 1: Determine the Size of the Employer

  • 20+ employees: Your employer plan is primary, and you may choose to delay Medicare Part B and D without penalty.

  • Fewer than 20 employees: Medicare becomes primary. If you don’t enroll, your job plan may refuse to pay—and you’ll be on the hook.

Not sure about your employer size or coverage status? We’ll help you find out.

Step 2: Know the Rules for HSAs

If you’re contributing to a Health Savings Account (HSA):

  • You must delay Medicare Part A and B to continue contributions.

  • Once enrolled in any part of Medicare, you can no longer fund your HSA.

Step 3: Understand Coordination of Benefits

  • Medicare and employer plans coordinate—but someone always pays first.

  • The “secondary” plan may not cover anything Medicare doesn’t approve.

  • If you skip Medicare when required, you could be left with huge uncovered costs.

Real Story: Avoiding a $5,000 Surprise

Frank from Jacksonville turned 65 while still working for a small business with 10 employees. He assumed his job insurance was enough.

After a major outpatient surgery, his group plan denied the claim—because Medicare should have been primary.
We helped him get back on track, but he had to pay a penalty for late enrollment and cover thousands in medical bills.

“I wish I had called you before my birthday.” — Frank

The Success You Want

With the right guidance, you can:

  • Combine your employer plan and Medicare without penalty

  • Maximize your benefits while working

  • Avoid surprise gaps in coverage

  • Time your transition to retirement with confidence


Your Next Step

Don’t leave this to chance. We’ll help you figure out if and when you should enroll in Medicare—even if you’re still working or covered under a spouse.

Visit www.merebenefits.com/medicare or call our office to schedule a no-cost Medicare strategy session.

We’ll help you avoid costly missteps—and feel in control of your options.

#simplyforyourbenefit
Trusted Medicare support for working adults and spouses in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida


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Disclaimer

Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare, Social Security, Healthcare.gov, or any government agency.

Need Help? The MereCare Team is here for you year-round.

Licensed Insurance Agency

Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or ‍1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information. Not affiliate with or endorsed by the United States government, the federal Medicare program. Social Security, or
Healthcare.gov.


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