By Audrey Childers
Founder of TheHypothyroidismChick.com | Licensed Medicare Agent | Author & Wellness Advocate
If you’re approaching 65 and still working, you might be asking: “Do I need to enroll in Medicare if I still have health insurance through my job?”
Short answer? Maybe.
Long answer? It depends on the size of your employer, your coverage type, and your future health needs. And if you’re a woman navigating thyroid issues, hormone shifts, or chronic illness—you really can’t afford to get this wrong.
Let’s make it simple.
📊 Do I Have to Enroll in Medicare at 65 If I’m Still Working?
If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, YES. Medicare becomes your primary insurance, and you must enroll in Part A and Part B to avoid penalties and coverage gaps.
If your employer has 20+ employees, you may be able to delay enrolling in Part B (and D) without penalty if your group coverage is considered “creditable” (meaning it meets Medicare’s standards).
🏋️ What If I Have Thyroid or Autoimmune Issues?
Here’s where it gets real: most employer plans don’t prioritize ongoing hormone care, comprehensive thyroid panels, or specialist access like endocrinologists or functional medicine doctors.
💡 Audrey’s Tip: Medicare often offers broader access to specialists and lower out-of-pocket costs on certain prescriptions if you choose the right plan.
If your thyroid meds aren’t covered well under your employer plan, it might be time to do a side-by-side comparison.
📕 How to Know When It’s Time to Switch
Ask yourself:
- Are your prescriptions getting more expensive?
- Are you being denied referrals or labs you need?
- Is your coverage making you jump through hoops just to see the right provider?
- Are you planning to retire in the next 6-12 months?
If the answer is yes to any of these, it might be time to transition into Medicare now—or at least create a plan for a smooth switch.
🚑 My Health Isn’t “Average”. What Should I Do?
You need a Medicare plan that reflects your reality:
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Autoimmune triggers
- Hormonal shifts
- Mental health ups and downs
Not all plans are created equal—and none are built specifically for women 50+ with complex wellness needs.
That’s why I created TheHypothyroidismChick.com.
📖 Books by Audrey Childers
Want more clarity, guidance, and wellness wisdom?
Check out my books:
- Reset Your Thyroid: 21-Day Meal Plan to Reset Your Thyroid
- Hashimoto’s Crock-Pot Recipes
- A Women’s Holistic Holy Grail Handbook for Hypothyroidism
- Fresh & Fabulous Hypothyroidism Body Balance
- Available now on Amazon (Search: Author A.L. Childers )
🎁 Get the Free Survival Guide
Don’t leave your Medicare or thyroid care to chance.
Download your Free Thyroid & Insurance Survival Guide for Women 50+:
Click to access thyroid_insurance_survival_guide_audrey_childers-1.pdf
Click to access thyroid-insurance-survival-guide.pdf
Includes:
- Labs to request
- Questions to ask your doctor or insurance agent
- Medicare vs ACA comparison
- A checklist to help you transition with confidence
Join my email list and get access to future freebies, books, and guides just for women like you!
🚀 Want More?
📬 Check out my article on TheHypothyroidismChick.com
🔎 Search Audrey Childers Medicare blog
📖 Find my book on Amazon by searching ‘Audrey Childers Medicare’
🔍 Google ‘Medicare for thyroid disease + The Hypothyroidism Chick’
📌 Disclaimer:
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized advice from a licensed agent or healthcare provider. Coverage options vary by state, employer size, and plan availability. Audrey Childers is not affiliated with Medicare or any government agency.
“For more, visit TheHypothyroidismChick.com
Let’s make Medicare make sense—even while you’re still working.
👩🎓 Audrey Childers
