How do I change my life insurance beneficiaries?
Contact the Benefits Office via email at Benefits@hcpss.org or call 410-313-7333, so we may email or mail a Beneficiary Designation Form to you.
May I change the beneficiaries on my life insurance at any time?
Yes, you may update beneficiaries for your life insurance at any time throughout the year.
What is the value of my life insurance policy?
At the time that you retire, your active employee life insurance amount is reduced by 10%. It continues to reduce by 10% on each of the next four anniversaries of your retirement date, until it is worth 50% its original value, and then it does not depreciate any further. Retiree life insurance remains at 50% its original value until the retiree passes away.
Do I get new insurance cards when I retire?
New medical cards are automatically generated by the carrier, once the retiree benefits are established in Workday. While awaiting the new card, you may continue to use your existing card. If the new card is not received within 10 to 14 days, please contact the carrier directly.
Can you explain the working exemption for Medicare?
If you and/or your dependent are age 65 or over, and you are actively working and are covered under our group health plan, you do not have to enroll in Medicare Part B. You may enroll in Medicare Part A as there is no cost to you. Upon retirement, you must have Medicare Parts A and B in place.
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.