Working Past Age 65 and Medicare

Please be aware that WSU is not affiliated with Medicare, nor in the position to offer advice or guidance regarding Medicare other than information regarding WSU insurance. We encourage you to refer to Medicare.gov to learn more about Medicare.

The following Medicare webpage specifically addresses turning age 65 while working: https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/medicare-basics/working-past-65

Enrollment in Medicare is not automatic when you reach age 65, so you may want to sign up for Part A. In most cases, there is no cost to enroll in Part A but there is a cost to enroll in Part B. You can delay enrollment in Part B while you are still working and you have university medical coverage. 

If you enroll in Medicare while still working, your university medical coverage will pay primary to your Medicare coverage. That means your medical expenses must be billed to the university medical coverage first and then to Medicare if there is a balance. It may not make sense to enroll in and pay for Part B when you have university medical coverage while still working.

This guidance also applies to dependents turning 65 who are covered on WSU medical plans.

When your employment ends:

  • You may want to consider enrolling in Medicare
  • For 9-month employees who terminate at the end of Winter semester (May) and have coverage through August 31: If you or your spouse are enrolled in Medicare as of your termination date or become enrolled in Medicare following your termination date, Medicare will become your primary coverage and the WSU benefit plan will become your secondary coverage effective on the later of June 1 or your Medicare effective date(s). You will need to let your medical providers know to bill Medicare first before billing your WSU coverage.  
  • You will be offered COBRA coverage after your WSU coverage ends due to termination of employment. COBRA continues your current university medical coverage (in most cases for 18 months) and at the full monthly premium rate, not just the employee contribution amount. If you or a covered dependent is enrolled in Medicare prior to electing COBRA, Medicare coverage will pay primary and COBRA coverage will pay secondary. If you (or a covered dependent) enroll in Medicare after electing COBRA, COBRA coverage will end when Medicare coverage becomes effective. Learn more about COBRA.
  • If retiring, you will also be offered retiree medical coverage through the university. WSU retiree medical coverage will be secondary to Medicare, so you will have to be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B in order to be covered as a retiree. Learn more about WSU retiree benefits

For more information about enrolling in Medicare, please go to Medicare.gov.