When should I apply for Medicare?

Most employer health plans become Medicare supplement plans when you turn 65. Read the fine print and if that is what it says, apply for Medicare now, because it takes months to be processed.

Sorry, if I get Medicare in July, I can no longer contribute to my HSA. But thanks for trying.

If you don't elect your Part B benefits when first eligible in July, make sure your group plan is considered "Creditable Coverage". This way you avoid any potential late enrollment penalties.

Daniel, thanks for an answer. Too bad it has nothing to do with the question.

Harry, thanks for the response. Maybe I misunderstood the question but you specifically asked when to apply for Medicare to be covered in December although you will be 65 in July of 2014...am I correct? You can't apply for B benefits until certain election periods if you miss your open enrollment and don't have group insurance that's creditable. If you do have creditable coverage you just need to apply before the month of December to have a 12-01-2014 part B effective date while your part A will have a 07-01-2014 effective date.

Call the Social Security office and ask them, 1-800-772-1213. You're going to need to talk to them because you had no clue about the good advice given you by Daniel. You can decline Medicare when they automatically send you the card for July. Let them know that you want it to start in December and why ( you have other creditable coverage). I disagree with pamstegman on the priority of payers while you are still working. Your private coverage while working makes Medicare the secondary insurance. It switches when you're retired.