Brightbridge Insurance LLC

🎂Turning 65 Soon? Here's What You Need to Know About Medicare—Especially If You're Still Working

Your 65th birthday isn’t just a milestone—it’s also when you become eligible for Medicare. Whether you’re planning to retire or continue working, understanding your Medicare options now can help you avoid costly mistakes later.

✅ Already Receiving Social Security?
You’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Coverage begins the first day of your birthday month (or the month before if your birthday is on the 1st). No action needed—but it’s still smart to review your plan options.

✅ Not Receiving Social Security Yet?
You’ll need to enroll manually. Apply online at SSA.gov/medicare, call Social Security, or visit your local SSA office. You can start the process up to 3 months before your birthday month to ensure coverage starts on time.

✅ Still Working or on a Spouse’s Plan?

- If your employer has 20 or more employees, you may delay Part B (and its monthly premium) without penalty.

- If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, Medicare becomes the primary payer—you’ll likely need to enroll in both Part A and B to avoid coverage gaps.

🚫 Important: COBRA, retiree benefits, and Marketplace plans don’t count as employer coverage. Delaying Medicare in these cases can lead to permanent late penalties.

📞 Have questions or need help with your Medicare transition? We’re here to guide you. Just give us a call!

Or you can visit https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare

A new Mercer survey of 700+ U.S. employers shows a growing trend: more companies plan to shift health plan costs in 2026.

Key findings:

51% of large employers say they’ll make plan design changes that pass some cost to employees (e.g., higher deductibles or out-of-pocket maxes), up from 45% in 2025.

Still, 49% aim to avoid cost-shifting, showing continued sensitivity to affordability.

Cost control strategies include:

- Copay-based plans with low/no deductibles

- Larger HSA contributions for lower-income workers

- Free employee-only coverage in select plans

- Expanded telemedicine access

- Low/no-interest medical loans

Cost pressures continue from rising prescription drug costs, higher provider prices, and increased demand for care—driven in part by aging demographics and specialty meds like GLP-1s.

But it’s not all about cuts.

- 76% will offer digital stress tools in 2026

- 51% will offer live resiliency and stress support

Many are expanding voluntary benefits and training managers on mental health awareness

✅ Employers are walking a fine line: protecting budgets while retaining talent. With smart design, it’s possible to do both.

Want help navigating your 2026 benefits strategy? Let’s talk.

Are you ready to secure your family's future? At BrightBridge Insurance in Miramar, we specialize in personalized life and health insurance solutions designed to meet your unique needs. Our team is dedicated to guiding you through the often complex world of insurance, ensuring you have peace of mind. We proudly serve the Miramar community and surrounding areas. Let us help you safeguard your tomorrow!