Do federal retirees need Medicare Part B?

By the FERS Made Easy editorial team · Last reviewed Oct 2026

It is optional: FEHB keeps covering you at 65 whether or not you take Part B. Taking Part B can lower out-of-pocket costs and some plans reimburse part of the premium, but if you skip it and enroll later you may pay a lifetime late penalty.

Part A is usually premium-free if you or a spouse paid Medicare tax for 10 years.

Sources

• OPM: FEHB and Medicare
• SSA: Medicare