Keep Medicare When Moving Overseas

If either spouse will have employer benefits while overseas, Medicare Part B can be delayed until returning to the United States without penalty.
If neither spouse will be working full time with group health benefits, staying enrolled in Medicare and keeping a supplement can help avoid later underwriting.
Dropping Part B overseas can trigger lifetime penalties upon return, reaching back to age 65 or when Part A coverage began originally.
Someone returning at age 75, after Parts A and B began at 65, could face a 100% monthly Part B penalty for life.
Don't disenroll; if supplement and Part D are canceled, reapplying may mean underwriting, added Part D penalties, or Medicare Advantage if supplement is unavailable.