ABA Family Legal Guide

The Rights of Older Americans

Health and Long-Term Care Benefits

Medicare

If I have other health insurance, can I still be covered by Medicare?

If you are working and are covered by your employer's health insurance program, or if you are covered by your spouse's plan, Medicare is usually the secondary payer after the other insurance pays. If you haven't enrolled in Medicare and you lose the other insurance, you may sign up for the Medicare program during a seven-month enrollment period that begins the month the other program no longer covers you.

To make sure you receive maximum coverage without penalty, talk to your employer's benefits office, a Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or your local Social Security Administration office.