Client asked: I am still working full time with my employer health insurance benefits and planning to retire early next year.  When should I enroll in Medicare Part B?

Answer: If your employer has more than 20 employees, your group health insurance plan will remain as your primary health insurance plan.  Medicare will be secondary.  You should enroll in Medicare Part B when you are planning to stop working.  You have an eight-month Special Enrollment Period to enroll In Medicare Part B without paying a lifetime late enrollment penalty.  You should also enroll in Medicare Part D for prescription drug plan coverage even if you don’t take any prescription drugs to avoid a late enrollment penalty.

Client asked: I am at age 65 today and approaching a decision when I will stop working.  I am also still contributing to my employer sponsored Health Savings Account (HSA).  Can I continue to make contributions to my HSA and enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Part B at the same time?  

Answer: No, you cannot contribute to a Health Savings Account (HAS) and enroll in Medicare Part A or B at the same time.

Client asked: My spouse and I made a lot of income two years ago that will subject us to the Medicare Part B “surcharge” called IRMAA (Income Related Monthly Adjusted Amount).  Are there life events that I can file an appeal to lower the amount of money that you will be paying for our Medicare Part B? 

Answer:  Yes, there are life qualifying events that Social Security Administration will consider lowering your Medicare Part B premium. These events include marriage, divorce/annulment, work stoppage, work reduction or loss of pension income.  You can file the appeal on a Social Security form SSA-44 form.