Retiree
You have turned 65. You are Medicare eligible. Now What?
Feb 15, 2007 4:44 PM
The following also applies if you become Medicare-eligible
because of Social Security disability.
- Three to four months before you reach the age of
65, call or visit your nearest Social Security office, 800-772-1213, to file
for Medicare Part A and B.
- You must enroll in both Medicare Parts A and B
unless you are covered by a working person’s health plan. Part A is for hospital-related expenses and
is free. Part B is medical coverage and
there is a monthly premium. The UFT-RTC
successfully achieved full reimbursement of your Medicare Part B costs after
many years of lobbying thanks to our political clout and COPE contributions.
- As soon as you or your spouse/domestic partner
receive your Medicare card, notify the New York City Employee Health Benefits
Unit in writing (address given on the next page) of your Medicare eligibility
and request that your coverage be adjusted accordingly. Enclose a copy of your Medicare card.
- Check whether your current health plan will
continue to fit your needs after your receive Medicare. HIP members must enroll in HIP VIP, and
GHI-CBP members will be switched to GHI-CBP Senior Care. If you wish to change plans, you can do so
during the usual transfer period in even-numbered years, or you may exercise
your one-time-only choice to change plans at any time if you are retired for at
least one year and have not exercised it previously.
SAMPLE LETTER
Address
Date
NYC Employee Health Benefits Dept.
40 Rector St.,
3rd Fl.
New York, NY
10006
Re: Medicare Eligibility
Dear Sir/Madam:
I am enclosing a copy of my Medicare card, showing both Parts
A and B. I will become eligible for
Medicare on .
Sincerely,
Signature
Print Name
Social Security #
Enclosure