Medicare Information

Medicare Parts A and B are required once you and or your spouse turn 65, unless you are able to provide documentation of ineligibility from Social Security. The city allows up to 3 months after turning 65 to enroll. Choosing to not enroll will result in cancellation of your current coverage. If you are not eligible for Medicare, you must provide documentation of your ineligibility to retain your current coverage.

When Do I Apply?

• Medicare Part A - You may apply for Medicare Part A for yourself and your spouse up to 3 months prior to turning 65.  Currently, Social Security does not charge a premium for Medicare par A.
• Medicare Part B - You may apply for Medicare Part B for yourself and your spouse when each of you are turning 65 and the spouse who is carrying your health insurance is also retiring.  If the spouse who carries the health coverage for the family is not retired or retiring, you are not required to apply for Medicare Part B even if you are 65 years of age or older.

What Does Medicare cover?

• Medicare Part A – Covers Hospitalization
• Medicare Part B – Covers 80% of expenses
• Medicare Supplemental Plan (carried through the City) – Covers the remaining 20% of expenses and provides prescription drug coverage.

Do not enroll in Medicare Part D if you are enrolled in a supplemental plan through the City, as the City's Medicare supplemental plans already include prescription drug coverage.

Where Do I Apply for Medicare?

Visit your local Social Security office or you can apply for Medicare online online.

How Do I Pay for Medicare?

Medicare premiums are deducted directly from your social security earnings or billed to you quarterly if you are not receiving a social security pension.

Medicare Premium Reimbursement

The City reimburses 85% of retiree Medicare part B premiums for both retirees and their spouses on a quarterly basis. Reimbursements are processed quarterly by the third week of January, April, July & October for the previous quarter.  Retirees are required to set up direct deposit as payments are sent electronically.

Enrolling in Your Medicare Supplemental Plan

If you have received your Medicare Part A & B card, please complete your enrollment for a Medicare Supplemental plan or permanently cancel your health insurance. Please note that if you cancel your health insurance it can not be reinstated. Cancellation would result in a permanent end of eligibility for coverage through the city.