Can I work full time while on Medicare?

Yes, you can work full-time while on Medicare, and often have both your employer's health insurance and Medicare simultaneously, with employer coverage usually primary, but coordinating enrollment is key, especially regarding company size (20+ employees allows delay) to avoid penalties, and you must stop HSA contributions once on Medicare.

Can you collect Medicare and still work full time?

Many people ask, "Can I sign up for Medicare and still work full time?" The answer is, yes you can.

What are the biggest mistakes people make with Medicare?

The biggest Medicare mistakes involve missing enrollment deadlines, failing to review plans annually, underestimating total costs (premiums, deductibles, copays), not enrolling in a Part D drug plan with Original Medicare, and assuming one-size-fits-all coverage or that Medicare covers everything like long-term care. People often delay enrollment, get locked into old plans without checking for better options, or overlook financial assistance programs, leading to higher out-of-pocket expenses and penalties. 

Can I work when I am on Medicare?

Your employer may offer coverage when you have Medicare, like a supplemental plan, drug coverage, or Medicare Advantage Plan. If they do, ask if you or your family will lose your retiree coverage if you join a plan the employer doesn't offer.

How does working affect my Medicare costs?

If you have a higher income, you'll pay an additional premium amount for Medicare Part B and Medicare prescription drug coverage. We call the additional amount the “income-related monthly adjustment amount.”

Medicare: Why you need to sign up when you're 65, even if you're still working

How much money can you have in the bank when you are on Medicare?

Medicare itself doesn't have a bank account limit, but if you need help paying costs through Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs), asset limits apply (around $9,660 for individuals, $14,470 for couples in 2025) for programs like QMB, SLMB, and QI, though California eliminated asset tests for its state-run MSPs. These limits cover countable assets like savings, but your primary home and one car usually don't count. 

What disqualifies a person from Medicare?

You can be disqualified from Medicare if you aren't a U.S. citizen or lawful resident, lack sufficient work history for premium-free Part A, fail to sign up on time (incurring penalties), have serious criminal issues (like healthcare fraud), or if you move out of the country, though eligibility is primarily tied to age (65+), disability, or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). 

Do you pay more for Medicare if you make more money?

Yes, you pay more for Medicare if you make more money, specifically for Part B (medical insurance) and Part D (prescription drug) premiums, due to an extra charge called the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). This surcharge is based on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) reported two years prior, with higher incomes leading to higher premiums for both services, but Part A (hospital) premiums aren't affected by income. 

Is it better to go on Medicare or stay on private insurance?

Neither Medicare nor private insurance is universally "better"; the best choice depends on individual needs, but Medicare often offers lower overall costs and simplicity for seniors, while private insurance excels in covering dependents and potentially offering more choice with networks/out-of-pocket caps, though at higher premiums. Medicare boasts lower admin costs and standardized coverage, but Original Medicare lacks an out-of-pocket maximum, a feature typically found in private plans and Medicare Advantage (Part C). 

Why are doctors dropping Medicare patients?

Physician Medicare reimbursement dropped 33% since 2000, when adjusted for inflation, according to the AMA. As a result, Ferguson said, many practices—particularly small, independent ones—can no longer afford to absorb the losses. "It's gotten to a point where you can't absorb it.

What are the three words to remember for a Medicare wellness exam?

For a Medicare Wellness Exam's cognitive test, the three common words to remember are often "banana," "sunrise," and "chair," used in the Mini-Cog screening to check your memory and thinking skills; you say them immediately and then recall them after a few minutes. 

Do you have to pay Medicare premiums if you are still working?

Yes, you absolutely pay into Medicare through payroll deductions (FICA taxes) while working, which funds current beneficiaries, but this is separate from your own potential Medicare premiums if you enroll while still employed. Whether you enroll in Medicare (Parts A, B, etc.) while working past 65 depends on your employer's plan size, but you generally pay Medicare taxes regardless. 

What happens if you keep working after 65?

Turning 65 and still working offers options for Social Security and Medicare, where you can often delay Medicare enrollment without penalty if covered by a large employer's plan (20+ employees) but should coordinate with HR to avoid issues, potentially increasing Social Security benefits by delaying them past age 65, and even exploring if Medicare plus supplemental plans are better than employer coverage. Key is checking your employer's group health plan size and understanding your options for signing up for Medicare Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) later, usually within an 8-month Special Enrollment Period after coverage ends, to prevent late penalties. 

What is the 3 month rule for Medicare?

Generally, you're first eligible to sign up for Part A and Part B starting 3 months before you turn 65 and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65. (You may be eligible for Medicare earlier, if you get disability benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.)

What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:

• Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
• Long-term care.
• Cosmetic surgery.
• Massage therapy.
• Routine physical exams.
• Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.

Does Medicare check your bank account?

Medicare itself doesn't check bank accounts for standard enrollment, as it's an entitlement program; however, if you're applying for Medicaid or a Medicare Savings Program (MSP) to help pay costs, your bank accounts are checked as part of these needs-based programs to verify income and assets, using automated systems or by requiring statements to ensure you meet financial limits, especially for long-term care. 

Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?

If you don't get premium-free Part A, you pay up to $565 each month. If you don't buy Part A when you're first eligible for Medicare (usually when you turn 65), you might pay a penalty. Most people pay the standard Part B monthly premium amount ($202.90 in 2026).

How much can I have in my savings account if I'm on social security?

The answer is simple: there is no limit on your savings. Social Security benefits are not means-tested, meaning your eligibility and benefit amount are not influenced by your accumulated wealth.

What happens to your social security check when you go on Medicaid?

If you qualify for Medicaid, most of your Social Security income will go toward paying for the cost of your care. However, Medicaid ensures that you won't be left without resources by allowing certain deductions, so you can still meet essential personal and living expenses.

Who is eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid?

Medicare is health insurance for people age 65+ and others with specific disabilities. Medicaid covers people of all ages with low income. If you are enrolled in Medicare, you also may qualify for Medicaid if your income falls within specific limits. This is called being dual eligible.