Home » Money & Legal » Medicare & Medicaid » Questions » Can I legally decide to keep my Medicare and…

Can I legally decide to keep my Medicare and not join my employees health insurance?

Asked by denisemorrell  |  Nov 12, 2011

 Print

Email Email

I didn't know my employer gave me group insurance,I didn't want it, they rescended it back to the day they gave it to me. Legally can medicare say I had to accept thta insurance or can i kep my medicare. Can't go back and reget group insurance,I signed a waiver saying I chose to keep medicare.

Answer This Question

 
 
 
  •  Answers 1 to 1 of 1 
 
 

Soverytired

Give a Hug

Nov 12, 2011

Read the text of the waiver you signed. If your employer has more than 20 employees then they must cover individuals age 65 and over on the same basis as those under 65, so they cannot offer coverage secondary to Medicare or any other incentive (such as cash or increased salary) to get you to choose Medicare as a primary plan. The waiver should explain that what you rejected was group coverage with Medicare paying on a secondary basis in favor of Medicare ONLY with no secondary coverage. If the waiver did not properly explain this, then the waiver is invalid. Even if the waiver was appropriate, if your plan has an annual open enrollment period, you should also be able to opt into the employer plan at open enrollment and have Medicare as a secondary payer. If Medicare is your secondary payer, you do not have to pay for Part B (unless you want to) and you will have an opportunity to enroll in Part B without penalty within a short period of time after your employment ends. Call your local Social Security office for details and additional explanation of how Medicare works with employer coverage.

 
 

Helpful Answer (0)

Report this Post 

  •  Answers 1 to 1 of 1 

Answer this Question

Please stay on topic or ask a new question.

Find Senior Housing And Care That Fits You Needs

I am looking for:
Search location:











Housing


Care


Join the Discussion

Have a question? Just need to vent? Find answers and support from the real experts - other caregivers!

Recent Community Activity

are there other people who are no longer caregivers, but still come to the forum?
Answered 3 mins ago by ladee

Why is dad telling everyone I lied about having cancer? He should be happy they got it in surgery!
Answered 30 mins ago by cattails

Should I pay off my grandma's house?
Answered 54 mins ago by bilmo2012

Grossed Out? Need to Vent? Just caught Mom using my toothbrush to comb her hair!
Comment 2 hrs ago by cuz49341

Early-Onset Alzheimer's: When a Caregiver Needs Care
Comment 3 hrs ago by Chimonger

More From The Community »

Stay Connected

Sign up for our newsletter and receive practical tips and support for caregivers

 

Like AgingCare.com on Facebook