can i keep my federal blue cross when i turn 65 with medicare

Your FEHB

coverage will continue whether or not you enroll in Medicare. If you can get premium-free Part A coverage, we advise you to enroll in it. Most Federal employees and annuitants are entitled to Medicare Part A at age 65 without cost. When you don't have to pay premiums for Medicare Part A, it makes good sense to obtain coverage.

Full Answer

Do I need Medicare Part A when I turn 65?

Despite the fact that a person has adequate healthcare coverage through their employer or their spouse’s employer when they turn 65 years old, people often sign up for Medicare Part A anyhow.

Will my FEHB coverage continue even if I enroll in Medicare?

Your FEHB coverage will continue whether or not you enroll in Medicare. If you can get premium-free Part A coverage, we advise you to enroll in it. Most Federal employees and annuitants are entitled to Medicare Part A at age 65 without cost.

Do federal retirees have to enroll in Medicare Part A and B?

Most people who have retiree coverage must enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B when first eligible. If they don’t enroll, their retiree plan may pay only a small amount – or nothing at all – for their care. Medicare’s rules for you are different, however, if you’re a federal retiree.

Is Blue Cross and blue shield good for retirees?

together for you. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan is the number one choice of federal retirees in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. For 60 years, we’ve been covering federal employees and retirees.

What happens to my FEHB when I turn 65?

Your FEHB coverage will continue whether or not you enroll in Medicare. If you can get premium-free Part A coverage, we advise you to enroll in it. Most Federal employees and annuitants are entitled to Medicare Part A at age 65 without cost.

Can federal employees have both FEHB and Medicare?

The answer: yes! FEHB coverage is comparable to Medicare coverage. Therefore, beneficiaries in the federal program may delay joining a Part D plan; likewise, they're exempt from any Part D late enrollment penalties.

Is Medicare primary over FEP?

Get the most out of your Service Benefit Plan coverage with Medicare. When you're an active federal employee, the Service Benefit Plan is typically your primary coverage, which means we pay for your healthcare services first.

Who pays first FEHB or Medicare?

When FEHB and Medicare Coordinate Benefits, Which One Pays Benefits First? Medicare law and regulations determine whether Medicare or FEHB is primary (that is, pays benefits first).

Do most federal retirees enroll in Medicare Part B?

About 70% of federal retirees enroll in Part B, which means paying two premiums and in essence two duplicative insurance programs. A portion of the retirees that join Part B might do so as a hedge against the elimination of FEHB retiree benefits.

Are federal retirees automatically enrolled in Medicare?

Signing Up for Medicare If you are retired and receiving Social Security you will automatically be enrolled in Part A and B and should receive your Medicare card three months before your 65th birthday.

Does Federal Blue Cross decrease when a retiree goes on Medicare?

FEHB premiums are not reduced if you enroll in Medicare, but having Medicare Part A and B can allow you to switch to a less expensive version of your current FEHB plan, because some FEHB insurers waive cost-sharing (like deductibles, co-pays and coinsurance) when you have Medicare Parts A and B.

Do I need both FEHB and Medicare?

Answer #1 —You don't need both. However, to quote OPM “generally, plans under the FEHB program help pay for the same kinds of expenses as Medicare.” In many cases FEHB proves to be more comprehensive, often including emergency care outside the U.S., as well as dental and vision, which Medicare does not cover.

How do I keep my FEHB in retirement?

To continue your health benefits enrollment into retirement, you must: (1) have retired on an immediate annuity (that is, an annuity which begins to accrue no later than one month after the date of your final separation); and (2) have been continuously enrolled (or covered as a family member) in any FEHB Program plan ( ...

Do federal retirees have to take Medicare?

Unlike most people with retiree coverage, who must enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B when they're first eligible, enrollment in Medicare is not mandatory if you have federal retiree coverage through the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHB).

Is Medicare Advantage better than FEHB?

Most MA plans are comparable to FEHB plans in hospital and medical benefits, but the prescription drug benefits will not be as good as in the FEHB program because the plans have a “coverage gap” where you are responsible for all or most drug costs until you reach a catastrophic limit.

What will Medicare not pay for?

In general, Original Medicare does not cover: Long-term care (such as extended nursing home stays or custodial care) Hearing aids. Most vision care, notably eyeglasses and contacts. Most dental care, notably dentures.

Do you really need Medicare and FEHB as a federal employee?

Yes, the vast majority of the time you are required to get on Medicare A and B at 65 if you are on Tricare even if you are also covered under FEHB or still working.

Do I need both FEHB and Medicare?

Answer #1 —You don't need both. However, to quote OPM “generally, plans under the FEHB program help pay for the same kinds of expenses as Medicare.” In many cases FEHB proves to be more comprehensive, often including emergency care outside the U.S., as well as dental and vision, which Medicare does not cover.

Do federal retirees with FEHB need Medicare Part B?

If you are working and have FEHB or you are covered under your spouse's group health insurance plan, then you do not have to enroll in Part B when you turn 65. You will have a special enrollment period when you retire or your spouse retires to enroll in Part B without paying a penalty.

Can Medicare premiums be deducted from federal pension?

Frequently Asked Questions Retirement If you are not receiving social security benefits, you can have Medicare premiums withheld from your annuity payments. We must receive a request for the withholding from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

What is the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHB)?

The FEHB provides comprehensive health insurance to federal retirees and their spouses. If you qualify for FEHB as a retiree, optional Medicare cov...

Are Medicare rules different if I have FEHB coverage?

Most people who have retiree coverage must enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B when first eligible. If they don’t enroll, their retiree plan may p...

Will FEHB be my primary coverage? or Medicare?

If you have FEHB and do enroll in Medicare, then Medicare will be your primary coverage and your FEHB plan will pay after Medicare does. Having Med...

If I'm in the FEHB, should I enroll in Part A?

Most people don’t have to pay a premium for Part A. When combined with FEHB coverage, having Part A would limit your out-of-pocket costs for the ex...

Should I enroll in Part B if I have FEHB coverage?

Deciding whether to enroll in Part B is complicated. And unlike Medicare Part A, all enrollees pay a premium for Medicare Part B ($171.10/month in...

Will I pay less for FEHB premiums if I enroll in Medicare?

FEHB premiums are not reduced if you enroll in Medicare, but having Medicare Part A and B can allow you to switch to a less expensive version of yo...

When should I change my FEHB coverage?

You may want to make changes to your FEHB coverage when you are nearing Medicare eligibility, and will have the option to do this starting 30 days...

Should I suspend my FEHB cover to enroll in other coverage?

You can suspend your enrollment in FEHB to enroll in Medicare Advantage or other eligible coverage by contacting your agency’s retirement system, a...

What happens if I decline FEHB coverage?

If you decline FEHB coverage, you would give up the subsidy the government pays toward it — which is the same for active employees and retirees and...

Should I enroll in Medicare Part D if I have FEHB coverage?

You generally don’t have to sign up for a Part D plan if you are covered through FEHB. The prescription coverage through your FEHB plan may have fe...

What is Medicare for seniors?

What's Medicare? Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65 or older, people under 65 who have certain disabilities and people of any age who have End-Stage Renal Disease. It has four parts that cover different healthcare services.

How much does Medicare reimburse for a B plan?

Each member of a Basic Option plan who has Medicare Part A and Part B can get reimbursed up to $800 per year for paying their Medicare Part B premiums.

How does Medicare work with service benefit plan?

Combine your coverage to get more. Together, the Service Benefit Plan and Medicare can protect you from the high cost of medical care . Medicare works best with our coverage when Medicare Part A and Part B are your primary coverage. That means Medicare pays for your service first, and then we pay our portion.

How long does it take to sign up for a spouse's medical plan?

It takes about 15 minutes to register and sign up online. If you are retired but covered under a working spouse’s medical plan or you are still working, sign up for Part A and then advise them that you do not want part B because you are covered by your employer or under a working spouse plan as the case may be.

What is Medicare Advantage Part C?

Original Medicare (Part A & B) or Medicare Advantage Part C? Secondly, you must decide on whether to sign up for the Original Medicare plan (Part A and B) or Medicare Advantage Part C that offers private sector Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) or Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) coverage.

What happens if you only pick up Part A?

If you only pick up Part A your FEHB plan will remain your primary coverage for your medical Insurance including doctor’s visits while Medicare A will be primary for your hospital coverage. If your spouse is under age 65 their primary provider will be your FEHB plan until they reach age 65.

How to get a suspension form for an annuitant?

Annuitants can call OPM’s Retirement Information Office at 1-888-767-6738 to obtain a suspension form. Callers within the local Washington, DC calling area must call 202-606-0500. Section 9 of your FEHB plan covers the different Medicare options and what costs they will waive and pay when you sign up.

Is Medicare Advantage Part C FEHB coverage necessary?

If you sign up for Medicare Advantage Part C FEHB coverage isn’t necessary.

Does Medicare require FEHB?

It’s important to know that when Medicare A coverage limits are reached most plans require the patient to pay any difference between the FEHB provider allowance and the billed amount or pay the inpatient hospital per-day copayments depending on the plan you are enrolled in.

How long do you have to enroll in Medicare before you turn 65?

Enrolling in Medicare. You’re eligible to enroll in Medicare three months before and after you turn 65. If you enroll after this period, you may have to pay a penalty. One of the best parts of being a federal employee is being able to take the benefits you love into retirement.

Why is it important to stay healthy when retiring?

However, your medical care and drug costs might also be rising. Because of this, it’s important to stay healthy and to take full advantage of all your plan has to offer to reduce your costs ...

How to stay healthy and take full advantage of all your plans?

We’ve got you covered—here are some ways to do that. 1. Prepare for retirement. Retirement is all about getting the freedom to enjoy what matters most to you.

What happens if you don't enroll in Medicare?

As a federal retiree, if you don’t enroll in Medicare, your FEHB plan will act as your primary insurer and won’t pay less because you qualify for Medicare.

How long before you can change your FEHB coverage?

You may want to make changes to your FEHB coverage when you are nearing Medicare eligibility, and will have the option to do this starting 30 days before you qualify for Medicare. Changes can only be made once during this window. You can also wait until FEHB Open Season to change your coverage. Back to top.

Is FEHB more generous than Medicare?

Although FEHB coverage can be more generous overall than Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare, having additional coverage may not be helpful if you can’t afford its premiums. If you qualify for the Medicare Savings Program (MSP) or Medicaid, you may find your healthcare costs are lower overall if you don’t use FEHB.

Can you suspend your Medicare Advantage plan?

You can suspend your enrollment in FEHB to enroll in Medicare Advantage or other eligible coverage by contacting your agency’s retirement system, and providing them documentation that you enrolled . If you do this , you’ll be allowed to leave your Medicare Advantage plan and return to FEHB.

Is FEHB covered by Medicare?

While FEHB plans cover most of the same types of expenses that Medicare covers, FEHB plans’ coverage may be more limited than Medicare Part B when it comes to orthopedic and prosthetic devices , durable medical equipment, home healthcare, medical supplies, and chiropractic care.

Can you pay Medicare excess?

Some states don’t allow excess Medicare charges. If you live in one of these states – or you see a doctor in any state that accepts Medicare’s rate as full payment – you’d only have to pay the difference between what Medicare and your FEHB plan pay and Medicare’s rate.

Can I suspend my FEHB?

You may choose to suspend your FEHB coverage to enroll in Medicare Advantage or other eligible coverage. You generally don’t have to enroll in Medicare Part D if you have FEHB coverage. Q: I have retiree coverage through the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHB).

How long do you have to sign up for Medicare?

The mandatory enrollment period also includes your birthday month and the three months after your birthday month. In total, you have a seven-month window to sign up for a Medicare policy. This period of time to enroll applies to any Medicare program.

What happens if you don't sign up for Medicare?

If a person does not sign up for insurance through Medicare, either through the Social Security Office for a Medicare Part A and/or Part B plan or through a private insurance company for a Medicare Advantage, which is also known as a Medicare Part C plan, there may be a penalty imposed for waiting. The question is, if a person has health insurance ...

How long does Medicare enrollment last?

The Special Enrollment Period will last for eight months starting on the month after the event occurs. Therefore, if a person’s employment ends in March, they will have eight months starting in April to sign up for Medicare without being penalized.

When is Medicare Part D enrollment?

The enrollment period for Medicare Part D and Medicare Part C, which is also known as Medicare Advantage, runs from October 15 th to December 7 th of each year. Of course, if you miss the mandatory enrollment period and do not get to sign up for a Medicare policy during the general enrollment period, you will likely be penalized for late enrollment.

When do you sign up for Medicare Part A?

Despite the fact that a person has adequate healthcare coverage through their employer or their spouse’s employer when they turn 65 years old , people often sign up for Medicare Part A anyhow.

Is Medicare a primary or secondary payer?

Of course, whether or not the private insurance policy is considered the primary or secondary payer depends on the circumstances. When you sign up for a Medicare policy, the application will ask several specific questions regarding your employer and the insurance policy through your employer to determine the ranking.

Is it important to celebrate 65?

It’s just as important to celebrate 65 (you get Medicare!) as it is to celebrate 18 (you get to vote!). Age 65 is an important age to look at your health insurance options. If you have Medicaid (called Medical Assistance in Minnesota) and you’re about to turn 65 years old, here’s what you can expect to happen.

Do you have to have Medicaid to be 65?

If you already have Medicaid, you’ve been in touch with a county worker who helps you with your plan. As you approach your 65th birthday, your county worker will provide you with a list of options so you can choose the right plan for your needs.

Do you have to take Part B if you are retired?

You are in a position that many retirees would kill for, but you still have decisions to make. While most retirees must take Part B once they or their spouse are no longer actively employed, such is not the case for federal retirees. You basically have three choices, all with pros and cons.

Is FEHB a Medigap?

This will be more expensive because you will be paying two sets of premiums, but your FEHB plan will now function as a Medigap plan for both your hospital and doctor bills, and cover your drugs as it always did.