It depends on your employer’s size and the health plan they offer. The chart below demonstrates different scenarios and whether Medicare would pay first (primary) or pay second (secondary). Find where your situation fits in the chart and see if Medicare pays first or second. If Medicare pays first, you will need to enroll in Medicare Part B. If Medicare pays second, you may delay the Part B enrollment, which will save you at least $1,200 per year.

If you have a change in status (end of employment, spouse losing coverage you are on, employer drops below 20 employees) consult this chart again to see where you fit.

I’m a visual person, so charts like this are helpful to me. For all of our students who don’t learn visually, please go to Ask the Professor if you need further assistance.