Ask Larry

I turned 65 in July 2020 and signed up for part A medicare and postponed Part B because I have health
insurance through work. I want to retire January 31st 2022, and would like Medicare Part B to start January 1st.
Is this possible, or do I have to sign up in some signup period(January to March for example)?

Basically, Can I pick my Part B start date?

Thanks

Hi. Yes, if you've had employer group health (EGHP) coverage as an active employee since turning 65 you can pretty much pick when to start Part B coverage as long as you sign up within 8 months of when your EGHP coverage ends. If you want to start Part B coverage January 1 2022, you can apply for Part B anytime between October 1 2021 and January 31 2022. Social Security will need to have a form completed by your employer or EGHP provider, but they'll explain all of that when you contact them to apply (https://www.ssa.gov/hlp/isba/10/hlp-med003-partb2.htm).

Best, Jerry.