We recommend applying for Medicare with Social Security Administration (SSA) as early as 3 months before you retire and if already retired, 3 months prior to the month of your 65th birthdate; if disabled per the Social Security administration, as soon as eligible, even if under 65.
You may enroll in Medicare Part A as there is no cost to you. You do not have to enroll in Medicare Part B, unless you have end stage renal failure. Please contact the Benefits Office at 410-313-7333 for more information.
Payments for Medicare are remitted to the Social Security Administration. If you are not receiving Social Security, their standard practice is to send a quarterly invoice.
Medicare is a benefit managed through the Social Security Administration and premium is payable to their office. The retiree benefits through HCPSS are separate benefit plans, which operate as a secondary insurance to Medicare, and premium is payable to HCPSS.
HCPSS requires that all retirees and/or their dependents insured under the medical benefit, enroll in Medicare Parts A and B, upon their initial eligibility such as; being age 65 or older on the date of retirement, turning age 65 after retirement, or upon approval of Social Security Disability income, regardless of age.
Benefits forms can be emailed to Benefits@hcpss.org, or mailed to HCPSS, Benefits Office, 10910 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042. They may also be dropped off to the Benefits Office at 10910 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042.
No, since they are covered at 100% you do not have to provide proof, only submit a benefits change form.
If you terminate your benefit after retirement and did not elect the “One time Opt Out” option at the time of retirement, you will no longer be able to enroll in that benefit.
