What is the 8 month rule for Medicare?

Asked by: Lynn Zboncak Jr.  |  Last update: February 20, 2026
Score: 5/5 (45 votes)

Sign up: Within 8 months after you or your spouse stop working. Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care. . So, you may want to sign up for Part A when you turn 65, even if you or your spouse are still working.

Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?

Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.

What is the 8-month special enrollment period?

You can use an SEP to enroll in Medicare Part B while you're still in a group health plan based on current employment. Also, if your employment ends or employer- provided medical coverage ends, you have eight months from that month (whichever comes first) to sign up for Medicare Part B.

Is it a good idea to get Medicare if you're still working at 65?

``If you're still working by the time you turn 65, and your employer offers health insurance, you don't need to sign up for Medicare at that time -- and you don't have to worry about the aforementioned Part B penalty, either.

Can I drop my employer health insurance and go on Medicare Part B?

You can sign up for Medicare and drop your employer health plan. Not the other way around because you'd need Medicare entitlement as a qualifying life event to cancel your employer health plan outside of open enrollment.

Medicare Part A B C D Explained (and made simple!)

31 related questions found

Why is Social Security no longer paying Medicare Part B?

There could be several reasons why Social Security stopped withholding your Medicare Part B premium. One common reason is that your income has exceeded the threshold for premium assistance. Another reason could be that there was a mistake or error in your records.

Can I have Medicare and employer insurance at the same time?

Yes, when you turn 65, you can sign up for Medicare even if you're still working and have health insurance through your employer.

Can I get Medicare Part B for free?

Part B is a voluntary program that requires the payment of a monthly premium for all parts of coverage. Eligibility rules for Part B depend on whether a person is eligible for premium-free Part A or whether the individual has to pay a premium for Part A coverage.

Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage plans?

But there are trade-offs. Medicare Advantage plans often have a limited network of hospitals and physicians. And while the premiums are typically low, enrollees could end up paying more in the long run in copays and deductibles if they develop a serious illness.

What happens if you don't enroll in Medicare Part A at 65?

If you have to buy Part A, and you don't buy it when you're first eligible for Medicare, your monthly premium may go up 10%. You'll have to pay the penalty for twice the number of years you didn't sign up.

Who qualifies for Medicare special needs plans?

People who live in certain institutions (like nursing homes) or who require nursing care at home. People who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. People who have specific chronic or disabling conditions (like diabetes, End-Stage Renal Disease, HIV/AIDS, chronic heart failure, or dementia)

How much money can you have in the bank if you're on Medicare?

eligibility for Medi-Cal. For new Medi-Cal applications only, current asset limits are $130,000 for one person and $65,000 for each additional household member, up to 10. Starting on January 1, 2024, Medi-Cal applications will no longer ask for asset information.

How do I get $144 added back to my social security check?

How do you get $144 added back to your Social Security check every month? If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan with a Part B giveback benefit, the plan reduces the amount deducted from your Social Security check for Medicare Part B, which could add up to $144 back to your check each month.

Does Medicare cover 100% of hospital bills?

Whether you're new to Original Medicare or have been enrolled for some time, understanding the limitations of your coverage is important as you navigate decisions about your healthcare. One of the main reasons why Original Medicare doesn't cover 100% of your medical bills is because it operates on a cost-sharing model.

Is Medicare free at age 65 for seniors?

Medicare Part A (hospital insurance)

You're eligible for Part A at no cost at age 65 if 1 of the following applies: • You receive or are eligible to receive benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB).

What is the maximum out-of-pocket for Part D in 2024?

Whether you're taking only brand-name drugs or a mix of brand-name and generic drugs, most people who reach the catastrophic coverage phase in 2024 will pay between $3,300 and $3,800 in out-of-pocket costs. In 2024, Mr. Alvarez takes $200,000 in Medicare Part D covered brand-name drugs.

Does Social Security count as income for Medicare?

Receiving Social Security While Working

In situations where you have Social Security payments in conjunction with an income that meets the tax filing limitations, only the income will be counted toward your total when being considered for income-related medical benefits.

What is the best secondary insurance if you have Medicare?

The best Medicare supplement plan providers
  • Best for extra plan benefits: Humana.
  • Best for straightforward coverage: State Farm.
  • Best for extensive medical care coverage: AARP by UnitedHealthcare.
  • Best for a range of Medigap plans: Blue Cross Blue Shield.

What happens to my younger wife when I go on Medicare?

Medicare is individual insurance, so spouses cannot be on the same Medicare plan together. Now, if your spouse is eligible for Medicare, then he or she can get their own Medicare plan.

Does Medicare cover dental and vision?

Key Takeaways. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) excludes most coverage for dental, vision, and hearing services and products. Many Medicare Advantage plans include some dental, vision, and hearing coverage beyond what original Medicare offers.

Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?

Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.

What is the best prescription coverage for seniors?

The best Medicare Part D provider is Aetna. It has top ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and affordable premiums. Other great providers include Wellcare and UnitedHealthcare. Medicare Part D is a government program that helps people with Original Medicare pay for prescription drugs.

Can I keep Obamacare after I turn 65?

Your Marketplace coverage will not be cancelled automatically by your plan when you turn 65 and sign up for Medicare, but if you receive premium tax credits to help you pay for your Marketplace plan premium, your eligibility for these tax credits will end when your Medicare Part A coverage starts (people with Medicare ...