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You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Health Care: UK > Medicare, Medicaid, Insurance, HMO problems > Medicare Special Enrollment Period
Expert: John Pedit - 10/26/2009
Question
QUESTION: I did not sign up for Medicare Part B when I turned 65 because I was (am) covered by my spouse's employer's medical insurance. My spouse was recently laid off, but with severance benefits that include continued medical insurance (not COBRA) for a while. All the discussions about Medicare's Special Enrollment Period say you can wait until you are no longer covered by medical insurance provided by your (or your spouse's) employer or union if that insurance is available as a result of your or your spouse's "current or active employment." Question: does the severance period qualify as "current or active employment"? In this regard, I note that severance payments are "wages" subject to employment taxes. In addition, my spouse will not be eligible for COBRA benefits until the severance period ends (which is when employment terminates for COBRA purposes). Thank you.
ANSWER: Hi Bill
Hard to understand. Two entirely different law codes are involved, Medicare and COBRA. In this case the Medicare regulations prevail. Medicare becomes primary when he leaves work and not when the severance package ends. That is also when the Special Enrollment Period starts.
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks, John. Can you point me to the Medicare/Social Security regulation that explains or clarifies "current or active employment"?
Answer
Hi again
Not by quoting a specific law. However go to Medicare Interactive.org===keyword Part b penalty===and it is in one of the questions.The SEP starts when :
A the person stops working
B the group insurance stops
whichever comes first
Since stopping work came first, the SEP starts there. Have 8 months to get part B without penalty.
John
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