What services does MyMedicareMike.com offer?

We help individuals understand, compare, and enroll in Medicare plans. Our team provides personalized guidance on Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Prescription Drug Plans so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Do you charge for Medicare consultations?

No, our services are completely free to you. As licensed and independent Medicare advisors, we’re compensated by the insurance carriers, not our clients.

What’s the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement Plans?

Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces your Original Medicare and often includes extras like dental or vision. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) works with Original Medicare to help cover out-of-pocket costs such as copays and deductibles.

Can you help me review my current Medicare plan?

Absolutely. We provide free annual plan reviews to ensure your coverage still fits your healthcare needs and budget, since plans and costs can change each year.

When can I enroll or make changes to my Medicare plan?

The Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. During this time you can switch, drop, or enroll in new Medicare plans. Special Enrollment Periods may apply after certain life events.

Do you represent specific insurance companies?

No. We’re an independent agency and work with multiple top-rated carriers to find the plan that best fits your needs.

Can you assist if I’m turning 65 soon and new to Medicare?

Yes. We specialize in helping first-time enrollees understand their options, avoid penalties, and get started with the right coverage before their 65th birthday.

Do you offer in-person or virtual appointments?

We offer both. You can schedule a face-to-face meeting at our New York office or connect virtually from anywhere for the same personalized guidance.

What if I’m on Medicaid or have other health coverage?

We can help you coordinate your Medicare benefits with existing coverage—including Medicaid or employer plans—so you maintain important benefits and avoid gaps.

How can I get started with MyMedicareMike.com?

Call us or fill out the contact form on our website to schedule a free consultation. We’ll walk you through your options and help you choose coverage that gives you peace of mind.

Will I Be Penalized If I Delay Medicare At 65?

What Are People Asking?

● Will I get a penalty if I delay Medicare while still working?
● Does employer size affect Medicare penalties?
● Who pays first — my job insurance or Medicare?
● Can I safely delay Part B and Part D?

Key Takeaways

● You may NOT be penalized if you delay Medicare with qualifying employer coverage
● Employer size (20+ employees) is a major deciding factor
● Primary vs. secondary payer rules determine your risk
● Delaying incorrectly can lead to lifelong penalties

Did You Know You May Be Able To Delay Medicare Without A Penalty?

Many people assume turning 65 automatically means they must enroll in Medicare or face penalties.
That is NOT always true.
If you are still actively working and covered by a qualifying employer plan, you may be able to delay certain parts of Medicare safely. But the details matter — especially employer size.

Employer Size Changes Everything (20+ Employees)

This is one of the most important Medicare rules and one of the least understood.
If your employer has 20 or more employees:
● Your employer insurance is usually the primary payer
● Medicare is typically secondary (if you enroll)
● You can often delay Part B without a penalty
This is why many working professionals at 65 do NOT immediately enroll in full Medicare.

Who Pays First? (Primary vs Secondary Coverage)

Understanding who pays first is critical. When you have employer coverage from a company with 20+ employees:
● Employer Plan = Primary
● Medicare = Secondary (if enrolled)
If Medicare is secondary, delaying Part B may be a reasonable and strategic decision.
This is very different from simply ignoring Medicare.

What About Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)?

Penalties are not just about Part B.
If your employer drug coverage is considered creditable, you can usually delay a Part D plan without a penalty. If it is NOT creditable, a late enrollment penalty may apply later — and it can last for life.
This is why confirming your drug coverage status is essential before delaying anything.

Still Working At 65? Here Is The Key Question

Not: “Am I turning 65?”
But: “Do I have qualifying employer coverage from ACTIVE employment?”
If the answer is yes, delaying Medicare may be appropriate.
If the coverage is from retirement, COBRA, or a non-active plan, the rules can be very different.

The Real Risk: Delaying Without Understanding The Rules

The biggest mistakes happen when people:
● Assume employer coverage automatically replaces Medicare
● Do not verify if coverage is creditable
● Do not understand primary payer rules
This can lead to:
● Late enrollment penalties
● Coverage gaps
● Unexpected medical bills

How This Fits Into Your Age 65 Timeline

● 9–10 Months Before 65: Review employer coverage
● 6–8 Months Before 65: Confirm creditable coverage
● 3 Months Before 65: Decide whether to enroll or delay
The penalty question becomes critical during the decision phase.

Important Preview: Smaller Employers (Under 20 Employees)

If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, the situation can change significantly.
In those cases, Medicare may become the primary payer — and delaying Part B could result in penalties and coverage issues.
(This is a critical topic we will break down in the next blog.)

Q & A: Delaying Medicare and Penalties

Will I automatically get a penalty if I delay Medicare at 65?

Not if you have qualifying employer coverage from active employment.

Can I delay Part B if my employer has 20+ employees?

In many cases, yes — and often without a penalty.

Does employer drug coverage protect me from Part D penalties?

Yes, if the coverage is creditable.

Is delaying Medicare always safe if I am working?

Not always. Employer size, coverage type, and
coordination rules must be reviewed first.

A Direct, Practical Takeaway

You are not automatically penalized for delaying Medicare at 65. But you MUST understand your employer size, primary payer rules, and whether your coverage is creditable.
Delaying Medicare strategically can be smart.
Delaying Medicare blindly can be expensive.

Choosing the Right Medicare Coverage

Selecting the best Medicare coverage depends on factors like your healthcare needs, budget, and preferred providers. You can choose between:

Original Medicare (Parts A & B): Allows you to see any doctor or
hospital that accepts Medicare but does not include prescription drug
coverage (Part D) or additional benefits.
Medicare Advantage (Part C): Offers bundled coverage with
potential extra benefits but may require using a network of providers.
Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance): Helps cover
out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as
copayments and deductibles.

Key Medicare Enrollment Periods

It is crucial to enroll in Medicare at the right time to avoid penalties and ensure continuous coverage:

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): A seven-month window starting
three months before your 65th birthday month.
General Enrollment Period (GEP): From January 1 to March 31
each year for those who missed their IEP.
Annual Election Period (AEP): From October 15 to December 7,
allowing you to switch or enroll in Medicare Advantage and Part D
plans.
Open Enrollment Period(OEP): From January 1 to March 31 for
those who missed AEP and want to make certain changes.
Special Enrollment Period(SEP): Can be used anytime during the
calendar year for those that meet certain criteria such as moving to a
new service area.

Finding Help with Medicare

Understanding Medicare can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Licensed Insurance Brokers, Medicare.gov, and state health assistance programs can provide guidance tailored to your specific needs.

By taking the time to explore your Medicare options, you can make informed decisions that ensure you receive the healthcare coverage that best suits your lifestyle and budget.

Do I have to sign up for Medicare?

It depends upon your current coverage. If you are employed and your employer has over 20 employees then you can delay signing up for Medicare and avoid penalties.

Does Medicare cover Prescription Medications?

No, You will have to enroll in a stand alone Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan(Part C) to get coverage.

I want to be able to go to any doctor/hospital, are there networks with Medicare?

There are no networks with Medicare and most doctors and hospitals accept it. However, Medicare does not cover 100% of services so a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plans is advisable.

Mike Miligi- Owner

For over 10 years, Mike has been assisting Seniors and other Medicare-eligible individuals in understanding the ins and outs of Medicare and Medicare Health Insurance options, including Medicare Advantage Plans(Part C), Medicare Supplement Plans(Medigap), Prescription Drug Plans(PartD), and Dental and Vision programs.

Mike is Licensed in seven States and Certified with 11 Insurance Carriers. He has helped thousands of individuals decide on the best course of action for their particular Health Insurance needs. Because Mike is an Independent Medicare Health Insurance Broker, he works for the client, not the Insurance Carriers, and is able to provide his clients with accurate and unbiased Health Insurance options.

Mike recertifies with CMS(The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) annually, regularly completes Continuing Education Courses required by individual State Insurance Departments, and keeps abreast of industry trends and standards to offer his clients the most up-to-date information.