Retirees
Enrollment is not required, but once you decide not to enroll, you may not re-enroll at a future date. Each retiree is afforded the District Maximum Contribution towards their benefits, based on the employee group's contract. Any premiums in excess of this contribution will need to be paid by the retiree.
Annually, retirees will be able to make changes during Open Enrollment. Open Enrollment will take place during the summer annually. Notifications will be sent via email and mail, if possible, regarding informational meetings and required documentation. If you do not provide a response, you may be subject to unwanted changes.
If you have questions regarding your benefits, feel free to reach out to our office by emailing [email protected] or calling our office at 661-789-6525.
MEDICARE FACTS & RESOURCES
Upon eligibility for Medicare enrollment, you and your dependents must enroll in Medicare to avoid surcharges with the insurance companies and lifetime penalties for Medicare premiums paid to the government. We recommend signing up for Medicare 3-months prior to your eligibility date (typically age 65 - will be the 1st day of your birth month, with the exception of those born on the 1st of the month, where you will be enrolled the 1st day of the month prior to your birth month); if you are already receiving Social Security benefits when you reach age 65, you will typically be automatically enrolled and receive a card by mail about 3-month prior to your eligibility date.
If you are receiving Disability Retirement benefits, please make sure you are checking to see if you are eligible for benefits sooner than age 65; if you are, you must enroll per the contract.
When can I enroll?
You can apply for disability benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) as soon as you become disabled. You automatically get Part A and Part B the month your disability benefits begin. Contact your local Social Security office for information about enrollment or to apply. If you worked for a railroad, call the RRB at 1-877-772-5772.
You get "premium-free" Medicare Part A. Most people pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part B. The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B is $164.90 in 2023. Some people pay a higher premium if they don't enroll when they're first eligible. Calculate my premium.
(Medicare Website, Accessed 08/04/2023, <https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/sign-up/when-can-i-sign-up-for-medicare>.)
Check my specific situation to find out when to sign up.
Medicare generally doesn’t pay for your hospital or medical bills if you’re not lawfully present in the U.S. or incarcerated.
Once you sign up for Medicare, you'll have different options to get health care coverage.
Benefits After Medicare Enrollment:
Once you or your dependent enrolls in Medicare, Medicare will become your primary coverage on the effective date of Part B. Our insurance will be your secondary coverage. Part D - Prescription coverage is included with your District-paid retirement benefits. Once you eligibility for retirement benefits ends, you will need to purchase your own supplemental policies and Part D coverage. The District does not reimburse for Medicare fees/premiums accessed by the government. We will pay for the supplemental and Part D plan premiums, along with the cost of Dental and Vision, within the District Maximum Contribution. Any costs in excess of the District Maximum Contribution will be paid by the retiree, per the Health Plan Election form sign at time of enrollment changes and Open Enrollment.
Medicare Website:
How to Obtain Verification of Medicare Enrollment Information
If you do not have a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) number:
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If you have not already, create an account with mySocial Security Website (https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/); if you do, go to step #2.
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Sign on to your account.
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Go to Benefit & Payment Details
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Click on the Medicare Tab
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Click on Get a Benefit Verification Letter
The Benefit Verification Letter will be sent to you and will contain a MBI number. This letter may be used as a place holder to identify your Medicare enrollment pending the receipt of your card. Once your card is received, please send it to us to finalize confirmation of your enrollment.
If you have an MBI number:
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If you have not already, create an account with Medicare (https://www.medicare.gov/account/login); if you do, go to step #2.
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Sign on to your account.
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Print your Card
Need to replace your card? Call 1-800-MEDICARE or sign on to your Medicare account.
Additional Medicare Resources:
https://www.medicareinteractive.org/
https://www.shiphelp.org/