How do I sign up for Medicare? Does HCPSS do that for me?
You should contact the Social Security Office to sign up for Medicare Parts A & B.
What parts of Medicare do I have to have? And when do I have to have them?
Upon retirement, if you and/or your dependent are 65 and over, you must enroll in Medicare Parts A & B. Failure to enroll in Medicare Parts A & B will result in higher out of pocket costs as claims will be processed as Medicare being your primary insurance.
Does my disabled spouse/dependent have to apply for Medicare if under age 65?
Upon retirement, if you and/or your dependent are under the age of 65 and are receiving Social Security Disability benefits, you will become Medicare eligible after 24 months of receiving disability benefits. You are generally automatically enrolled beginning the 25th month. In certain circumstances based on the disability you and/or your dependent may be automatically eligible for Medicare when you start receiving disability benefits. Retirees must contact the Social Security Office to confirm.
Is the HCPSS prescription considered creditable coverage?
Yes, the HCPSS prescription plan is considered as having creditable coverage.
Do I need Medicare Part D?
No, you do not need to enroll in Medicare Part D since our medical plans include prescription.
Once I turn 65, I have these Medicare forms that need to be completed by your office, how can these be taken care of?
Please submit any Medicare benefits forms to the Benefits Office; the Benefits Office will complete the Medicare Form that shows that you/dependent have been insured under the HCPSS group plan, and email you the completed form.
I am over 65 and so is my spouse. I need Medicare forms completed that show we have been insured under the HCPSS’ medical plan, what is the process of obtaining the forms to apply for Medicare Part B?
Once your retirement paperwork has been processed by the Retirement Office, the Benefits Office will complete the Medicare Form that shows that you/your dependent have been insured under the HCPSS group plan, and email you the completed form.
Will my monthly retiree health premium decrease once I enroll in Medicare? If so, by how much and when will it change?
Yes, it will decrease slightly. Rates are available to view on our Retiree Benefits website, under “Annual Medical Costs.”
I am retiring in July and will be turning 65 in November. Do I have to apply for Medicare and when will my Medicare coverage be effective?
Yes, if you are not disabled and turning 65 in November, you are required to enroll in Medicare and the effective date will be November 1.
Why do I have a copay if I have both Medicare and HCPSS coverage?
Medicare is the primary payor, and then HCPSS pays as the secondary payor, according to the coverage listed in the plan document. Any copays not covered by Medicare and allowable by your HCPSS plan would be the responsibility of the member to pay.