Turning Age 65
Happy Birthday! Turning 65 is a significant milestone for many reasons, but it also requires that you reassess your benefits as you become Medicare eligible.
Benefits Actions
The benefits actions you should take at age 65 will depend upon your current situation.
If you are...
Still employed when turning 65, but not planning to retire yet:
- Your medical plan will not change. As a current Emory employee, you will remain on Emory’s medical plan.
- You should delay enrolling in Medicare Part B until your retirement or separation from Emory.
- Three months prior to turning 65, you can enroll in Medicare Part A, however if you are enrolled in the HSA Plan and you wish to continue making contributions to your HSA, then you should wait until you separate from Emory before enrolling in Part A. IRS regulations don't allow you to make contributions to an HSA if you are enrolled in Medicare.
Still employed when turning 65, and planning to retire within 3 months:
- You should review the Retirement Checklist and begin to make your retirement plans.
- Make an appointment with a Benefits Specialist three months prior to your planned retirement date.
- You may also wish to consider Emory's Retirement Transition Programs.
- Two months prior to retiring, contact Social Security to request Medicare Special Enrollment Forms. Note: Failure to enroll timely (within 8 months after separating) will result in a penalty. Social Security Administration: 1-800-772-1213.
Still employed and have a spouse covered on your medical plan who is turning 65:
- Your medical plan will not change. As a current Emory employee, you and your spouse will remain on Emory’s medical plan.
- Your spouse may enroll in Medicare Part A three months prior to turning 65. Emory's medical plan will continue to be the primary payer of claims and Medicare Part A will be secondary.
- Your spouse may delay enrolling in Medicare Part B until your retirement or separation from Emory.
Already retired from Emory and turning age 65:
- Your medical plan will change. You will transition from Emory’s plan to a Medicare supplemental health insurance plan through ViaBenefits. For selection and enrollment assistance in your Medicare supplemental plan, call 1-855-241-5720.
- You have the option to continue dental and/or vision coverage, either with Emory or through ViaBenefits.
- You should contact Social Security to apply for Medicare: 1-800-772-1213.
- Note: You can't contribute to an HSA once your Medicare coverage begins. To avoid a tax penalty, you should stop contributing to your HSA at least 6 months before you apply for Medicare.
Already retired and age 65, and your spouse is turning 65:
- Your spouse will change medical plans. He/she will transition from Emory’s plan to a Medicare health insurance exchange through Via Benefits.
- Your spouse will have the option to continue dental and/or vision coverage, either with Emory or through ViaBenefits, and to receive life insurance coverage.
- Three months prior to your spouse turning age 65, your spouse should contact Social Security to apply for Medicare: 1-800-772-1213.
Questions?
You may contact the Benefits and Work Life Department to get help with your benefits questions: 404-727-7613 or hrbenef@emory.edu.