Federal retirees become eligible for Medicare at 65 whether or not they have FEHB. Medicare Part A is free for most people, while Part B carries a monthly cost, which is usually the bigger decision point. Some retirees enroll in both, using Medicare as primary coverage with FEHB as secondary, while others stick with FEHB alone.
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When federal retirees approach 65, Medicare becomes part of the conversation. If you already have FEHB, the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.
Part A is free for most people, but Part B has a monthly cost, and that's usually where the bigger decision is. Some retirees enroll in both and use Medicare as their primary coverage with FEHB as secondary. Others stick with FEHB on its own. What works best really depends on your health, your specific FEHB plan, and your overall financial situation.
The way FEHB and Medicare coordinate with each other can have a real impact on your out-of-pocket costs. So, it's worth thinking through before you turn 65, not after.
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