02/17/2026
When You Might Not Need to Sign Up for Medicare at 65 and When It’s Risky ⚠️
Many people think that if they already have insurance, they can safely delay Medicare.
But it depends on the type of coverage.
1️⃣ If You Have Employer Coverage
You can delay Part B and Part D without penalties only if your insurance is considered “creditable” - meaning it is at least as good as Medicare coverage.
❗Important: Coverage for medical services (comparable to Part B) and prescription drugs (comparable to Part D) are evaluated separately. Even if your medical plan qualifies, your drug plan might not be creditable. If you skip Part D without creditable coverage, a 1% per month late enrollment penalty will start accruing for life.
Also, the size of your employer matters⤵️
✔ 20 or more employees, employer coverage can be primary, and you can defer Part B if the coverage is creditable.
✔ Fewer than 20 employees - Medicare is usually primary. Skipping Part B could leave you without main coverage and incur penalties.
📄 Employers are required to issue an annual notice stating whether coverage is creditable. Keep this document for your records.
If you’re unsure, contact HR or your employer in writing to confirm:
✔ Is your medical coverage creditable for Part B?
✔ Is your drug coverage creditable for Part D?
Do not rely on verbal answers, always get written confirmation.
2️⃣ If You Have Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal does not replace Medicare.
If you become eligible for Medicare, you are required to enroll in Part A and Part B, even if you already have Medi-Cal.
Medi-Cal will not automatically cancel. Once enrolled, you become dual eligible ⤵
✔ Medicare - primary insurance
✔ Medi-Cal - secondary, covering premiums, co-pays, and extra services
Failing to enroll in Medicare on time can result in lifetime penalties for Part B and Part D, even if you have Medi-Cal ❗
💡 Key Rule
You can only delay Medicare if you have officially confirmed creditable coverage. Medi-Cal does not exempt you from enrolling in Medicare.
Medicare is a system of deadlines. A mistake today could cost you lifetime extra payments.
