When you first become eligible for Medicare, to receive full retiree benefits, you will most likely need to enroll in Medicare Parts A & B.

Some retiree coverage provides additional benefits beyond what Original Medicare gives, such as coverage for extra days in the hospital. For details on what your retiree coverage provides specifically, you will need to talk to the plan’s administrator.

Regardless of the benefits though, Medicare will generally be the primary payor and your retiree coverage will be the secondary payor. This is why it is important to enroll in Medicare when you are first able. Failing to do so will result in you being responsible for what Medicare would have normally paid before your other coverage kicks in.