Primary and secondary coverage
Primary insurance generally pays first. Secondary coverage may help with eligible remaining costs after the primary plan processes a claim.
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Employer coverage
Medicare. Employer coverage. Who pays first?
Understand how employer size, active employment and coverage type affect coordination with Medicare.
Working past 65
For age-based Medicare eligibility, coverage through current employment at an employer with fewer than 20 employees generally pays after Medicare. At employers with 20 or more employees, the employer plan generally pays first. Your specific coverage and eligibility can change the answer.
Do not assume COBRA replaces Part B
Retiree coverage and COBRA generally do not provide the same Part B enrollment protections as coverage based on current employment. Confirm coordination and timing with your employer and Medicare before delaying enrollment.
General education only, not a plan recommendation or legal, tax or investment advice. Coverage and enrollment rules depend on individual circumstances. Source handouts with amounts are labeled for 2026; consult Medicare.gov and Social Security for current information. Do not send completed forms or sensitive identification information through this website.