Staying on Spouse’s Employer Plan Past Age 65 Triggers Permanent Medicare Part B Penalty
A man stayed on his spouse's employer health plan past age 65, assuming it would allow him to delay Medicare Part B without penalty. However, the employer had fewer than 20 employees and did not qualify as creditable coverage under Medicare rules. As a result, he faced a permanent late-enrollment surcharge of 30%, adding approximately $14,600 in extra premiums over two decades.
Topics: COBRA employer health plans Medicare penalties retirement coverage