Can I delay Part B if I'm still working?

Yes — but only if you have qualifying employer coverage.

You can delay Part B without penalty when:

• You (or your working spouse) are covered by a group health plan based on current employment.
• The employer has 20+ employees.
• Coverage is creditable.

Once that employment-based coverage ends, you have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period to enroll in Part B without penalty.

TRICARE does NOT count for SEP purposes. Neither does VA, retiree-only employer coverage, or COBRA. If your only coverage is TFL, you must enroll in Part B during your IEP or face permanent late-enrollment penalties — and you'll have no TFL during the gap.

If you're working past 65 with employer coverage:

1. Confirm with HR that the coverage is creditable for Medicare purposes.
2. Enroll in Part A at 65 (it's premium-free for most — no downside).
3. Delay Part B until employment ends; enroll within the 8-month SEP.
4. Keep documentation — you'll need to prove creditable coverage to avoid the penalty.