Active colleagues and dependents covered under the Zoetis medical plan do not need to apply for Medicare, even if they are age 65 or over. The Zoetis plan is the primary payor until you leave Zoetis. Once a colleague leaves Zoetis and no longer has medical coverage as an active colleague, the colleague and any eligible dependents should then apply for Medicare. A change in work status is considered a qualified life event, which permits enrollment in Medicare outside of the annual enrollment period without penalty.
The answer is, yes you can. And you can have both employer health coverage and Medicare. While you are still working at Zoetis, Zoetis will act as your primary coverage and Medicare as secondary.
When you leave Zoetis and you are age 65 or older, even if you elect COBRA, you must enroll in Medicare. Once you leave Zoetis and elect COBRA, Medicare will act as your primary coverage and Zoetis as secondary.
See the Retiree Health Access section in Leaving the Company — Zoetis Benefits.
Wellthy offers comprehensive support services for navigating various government benefit programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and Veterans’ benefits. Recognizing the complexity and intricacies of these programs, Wellthy specializes in guiding individuals through the often intricate processes involved in accessing and maximizing their benefits.
To access Wellthy or learn more, visit wellthy.com/zoetis.