Benefits Human Resources

While You Are an Active Employee

While you are an active employee with University health care coverage, your coverage is considered creditable coverage for you and your covered Qualified Family Members, including your spouse.

This means you and your spouse can delay enrolling in Medicare Part B without penalty while covered under University benefits.

You may also choose to enroll in Medicare Part A when first eligible, as it is typically premium-free.

Approximately 3 Months Before Losing Coverage

About three months before retirement, leaving the University, or transitioning to a non-benefited position, our office can complete the CMS L564 form for you and your eligible family member.

This form verifies your continuous creditable coverage and helps you avoid late enrollment penalties.

It is only needed if you will be losing coverage and enrolling in Medicare. If you are moving to another health care plan, it is not required.

Medicare Enrollment Guide

When Should I Enroll in Medicare?

If you or your spouse are still covered under your University benefits:

• You can delay enrolling in Medicare Part B without penalty
• You may choose to enroll in Medicare Part A when first eligible (typically premium-free)

When Should I Enroll in Medicare Part B?

You or your spouse should enroll in Medicare Part B when:

• You retire
• You leave the University
• You transition to a non-benefited position

At that time, you will have a Special Enrollment Period to enroll without penalty.

Real-Life Example

Example:

You are age 65 and still working at the University, and your spouse is also age 65 and covered under your plan.

• Both you and your spouse can delay enrolling in Medicare Part B without penalty
• You may both choose to enroll in Medicare Part A
• When you retire or lose benefits, both of you should enroll in Medicare Part B during your Special Enrollment Period

Why This Matters

If you or your spouse do not have creditable coverage and delay enrolling in Medicare Part B, you may:

• Pay a late enrollment penalty
• Experience a gap in coverage

Quick Summary

• Still working → You and your spouse can delay Part B
• Leaving benefits → Enroll in Part B
• Part A → Usually enroll when first eligible