When you work after 65 you can sign up any time you want using a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
Key — to be eligible for a SEP you have to be covered by your employers medical plan - or were within 63 days!
Another Tip: Call the Local SS office — ask to talk to — or for a time to call a Retirement person. When you talk tell them when you plan to leave employer coverage and want to:
● Apply for Part B. .
-> FYI. Part A will be activated but backdated six months from your date for Part B.
● Discuss ways to pay your monthly cost for Part B [S144.60 in 2020 & $148.80 in 2021 ] :
-> it's deducted from SS if you are or will be receiving benefits.
● To qualify for the SEP you need to have the CMS-L564 form completed by your employer. Ask if they can:
-> eMail it to you. It shows dates you were covered.
Note: A back and forth conversation with a Retirement person is great but SS has an option to sign up on line if that is better for you. On this SS page – scroll down to a Section – How to apply just for MediCare. Select the Blue Button.
[A point: On line works fine when turning 65 but I recommend being careful trying to sign up after 65.]
● The CMS-L564 form to qualify for a SEP is on this link – scroll down to the Section - Already enrolled in Medicare. You will see a link to CMS-L564 and one in the second paragraph to CMS-40B which is the application form or Part B,
Note: Your employer fills in CMS-L564 with dates you had medical coverage and signs.
Returning CMS-L564 to SS:
-> approves the SEP to sign up for Part B the date you want.
-> shows you had coverage thus avoiding B's late enrollment penalty.
BTW — You can't just sign up for Part B when you want! <—> Federal regulations limit sign up times when past 65 to these periods.