Turning 65? Start Here.

If you are approaching age 65, you may have questions about how Medicare works with your EDENS benefits. The information below provides an overview of common Medicare topics for active employees. EDENS Payroll & Benefits can explain how our plans work, but Medicare enrollment decisions are personal and depend on your individual circumstances.
Important: Before enrolling in Medicare or delaying enrollment, contact Medicare or a Medicare specialist to understand how the rules apply to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do I need to enroll in Medicare when I turn 65?
A. Not necessarily. If you are actively employed and covered under an EDENS medical plan based on current employment, you may be able to delay certain parts of Medicare without a late enrollment penalty. Medicare enrollment requirements vary by individual situation. [medicare.gov]

Q. Can I delay Medicare Part B while I am working?
A. Possibly. Employees covered by the EDENS medical plan based on current employment may be able to delay Medicare Part B and enroll later during a Special Enrollment Period.

In general, Medicare provides an 8-month Special Enrollment Period that begins when employment or active employee coverage ends, whichever occurs first. [medicare.gov]

Q. I participate in the EDENS HSA. What should I know?
A. Once you enroll in Medicare, you generally can no longer make or receive Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions.
This includes:
• Employee payroll deductions
• Employer contributions
• Direct contributions to your HSA
You may continue to use the funds already in your HSA for eligible healthcare expenses after enrolling in Medicare.

Q. Why is Medicare enrollment important for HSA participants?
A. If you enroll in Medicare after age 65, Medicare Part A may be applied retroactively for up to six months. This may result in excess HSA contributions if contributions were made during a period later covered by Medicare. Employees who contribute to an HSA should consult Medicare and a qualified tax advisor before applying for Medicare or Social Security.

Q. Is EDENS prescription drug coverage considered creditable coverage?
A. Yes. For the 2026 plan year, EDENS has determined that the prescription drug coverage provided through the BCBS of South Carolina medical plans is creditable coverage for Medicare Part D purposes.

Q. What does “creditable coverage” mean?
A. Creditable coverage means EDENS prescription drug coverage is expected to pay, on average, at least as much as standard Medicare Part D coverage.
Because EDENS coverage is creditable, you may be able to delay enrollment in Medicare Part D without incurring a late enrollment penalty.

Q. Should I keep my Medicare Part D Creditable Coverage Notice?
A. Yes. Keep the annual notice provided by EDENS for your records. You may need it in the future to demonstrate that you maintained creditable prescription drug coverage.

Q. What happens if I lose my EDENS prescription drug coverage?
A. If your creditable prescription drug coverage ends, you may qualify for a Medicare Part D Special Enrollment Period.

Going 63 consecutive days or longer without Medicare Part D or other creditable prescription drug coverage may result in a Medicare Part D late enrollment penalty.

Q. Does COBRA allow me to delay Medicare enrollment?
A. Generally, no.

COBRA is not considered active employee coverage for Medicare enrollment purposes. Medicare’s Special Enrollment Period generally begins when employment or active employee coverage ends, not when COBRA ends.

Q. If I elect COBRA, how does Medicare work?
A. The order in which Medicare and COBRA begin may affect:
• Which coverage pays first
• Whether COBRA coverage can continue
• Your out-of-pocket costs

Contact Medicare and iSolved Benefit Services, the EDENS COBRA administrator before making enrollment decisions.

Need Assistance?
Truist Life Insurance Services (LIS) Medicare Specialists
As part of EDENS’ benefits program, employees have access to complimentary Medicare guidance and enrollment assistance through Truist Life Insurance Services (LIS). This service is provided through EDENS’ benefits broker, McGriff, at no cost to you.
Truist Medicare specialists can help you:
• Understand Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D
• Compare Medicare plan options available in your area
• Understand how Medicare works with your EDENS benefits
• Review enrollment timelines and deadlines
• Understand the impact of Medicare enrollment on HSA eligibility
• Receive one-on-one guidance based on your individual situation
Contact Truist Life Insurance Services (LIS)
📞 800-474-1471
✉️ Medicare@TruistLife.com

EDENS Payroll & Benefits
Contact Payroll & Benefits for questions about:
• EDENS medical coverage
• HSA payroll contributions
• COBRA continuation coverage
• Medicare Part D Creditable Coverage Notices

Medicare
Contact Medicare for questions about:
• Eligibility and enrollment
• Special Enrollment Periods
• Coverage effective dates
• Late enrollment penalties
• Medicare coordination rules
Phone: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
Web: Medicare.gov

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
SHIP provides free Medicare counseling and enrollment assistance.

Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or Medicare enrollment advice. Medicare rules are complex and depend on individual circumstances. Employees should consult Medicare, a SHIP counselor, Social Security, a qualified tax advisor, or a Medicare specialist before making enrollment decisions.