Yes.

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.

A benefits change form is required to be submitted to the Benefits office prior to the retirement date. The form may be sent by pony mail, emailed to Benefits@hcpss.org or faxed to Benefits at 410-313-1531.

Yes, only if insured with the Carefirst HMO and within 30 days of the move date.

Yes, retirees have the same Open Enrollment period as active employees. This usually takes place in October of each year. Open Enrollment information is mailed to retirees.

Once you retire, you must complete and submit a benefits change form each time you want to make a benefit change. Benefits are effective the first of the following month.