Medicare Blog

state of iowa retiree health insurance why medicare blue rx

by Twila Wisoky Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

How much does Iowa group medicareblue RX cost per month?

When you enroll in Iowa Group MedicareBlue Rx ($5/$10/20%/45%/33%), you can significantly reduce your Wellmark premium for either option. The 2022 Iowa Group MedicareBlue Rx Iowa premium is $107.10 per month * per Medicare-eligible individual.

How does Medicare affect you in Iowa?

As either a State of Iowa active employee or retiree enrolled in a state-sponsored health insurance plan, there are three parts of Medicare that could affect you. The part of Medicare that helps pay for inpatient hospital care, some inpatient care in a skilled nursing facility, home health care, and hospice care.

How can I lower my Medicare Part D premiums in Iowa?

Group MedicareBlue Rx With Iowa Choice or National Choice, you have an option of lowering your health insurance premium by purchasing a Medicare Part D plan – Iowa Group MedicareBlue Rx ($5/$10/20%/45%/33%).

Do I have access to healthcare outside of Iowa?

You have access to doctors and hospitals in Iowa and counties sharing a border with Iowa. You do not have access to care outside of these areas unless you have an emergency while out of state or need care which is not available in the state of Iowa.

What is a retiree medical plan?

Retiree insurance is a form of health coverage an employer may provide to former employees. Retiree insurance almost always pays second to Medicare. This means you need to enroll in Medicare to be fully covered. Some retiree policies require you to sign up for Parts A and B once you become Medicare-eligible.

What age does Medicare start in Iowa?

Medicare is health insurance for people 65 or older. You're first eligible to sign up for Medicare 3 months before you turn 65. You may be eligible to get Medicare earlier if you have a disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or ALS (also called Lou Gehrig's disease).

Who qualifies for Medicaid in Iowa?

A person who is elderly (age 65 or older) A person who is disabled according to Social Security standards. An adult between the ages of 19 and 64 and whose income is at or below 133 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) A person who is a resident of Iowa and a U.S. citizen.

When can I retire with the state of Iowa?

age 55Be at least age 55 by your retirement date. Apply for a bona fide retirement and begin to receive a State of Iowa monthly pension benefit (IPERS) following termination of employment.

Do I automatically get Medicare when I turn 65?

Yes. If you are receiving benefits, the Social Security Administration will automatically sign you up at age 65 for parts A and B of Medicare. (Medicare is operated by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, but Social Security handles enrollment.)

How much does Medicare Part B cost in Iowa?

$170.10 per monthPart B costs $170.10 per month but can be more if you have higher income. There are 64 Medicare Advantage Plans in the state that are an alternative to Original Medicare. Learn more about your Medicare options in Iowa.

What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

The difference between Medicaid and Medicare is that Medicaid is managed by states and is based on income. Medicare is managed by the federal government and is mainly based on age. But there are special circumstances, like certain disabilities, that may allow younger people to get Medicare.

Is Iowa Total Care Medicaid or Medicare?

Access to quality medical services is just one of the many Iowa Medicaid benefits that Iowa Total Care provides to eligible individuals and families in the state. You can view some of the basic health care services that are covered by Iowa Health Link (Medicaid) below or contact us today for more information.

What is the monthly income limit for Medicaid in Iowa?

Who is eligible for Iowa Medicaid Program?Household Size*Maximum Income Level (Per Year)1$18,0752$24,3533$30,6304$36,9084 more rows

What's the Rule of 88?

The Rule of 88 is when a member is age 55 or older, and the sum of the member's age at the last birthday and years of service equals or exceeds 88. The Rule of 62/20 is when a member is age 62 or older and has at least 20 years of service.

Is IPERS a good retirement plan?

IPERS is a tremendous system designed to ensure you can retire comfortably. It is an important piece of your retirement income planning along with Social Security and other savings vehicles.

Which is better IPERS or TIAA?

In general, if you plan on working within the IPERS system for 7 years or more, we find that the election to participate in IPERS is the better option for most people. Participating in IPERS provides you a safe, secure, fixed income in retirement that is superior to TIAA once you build up enough credits.

What is the Medicare number for Iowa?

If the State of Iowa is paying any portion of your health insurance premiums either through the Sick Leave Insurance Program (SLIP), please contact DAS-HRE at 866-895-2464 to inform them ...

How to enroll in Medicare in Iowa?

Contact your local Social Security office 3 months prior to your retirement date to determine your Medicare eligibility and to enroll in Medicare Part A and B. Advise the representative that you have been working past age 65 and that your Medicare Part A and B coverage should be effective the first day of the month following your retirement date.When you retire, and move from being an active employee to a retired employee staying on the State of Iowa's retiree insurance, anyone who is eligible for Medicare should enroll in Medicare Parts A and B. Failure to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B may result in a penalty from Medicare and a difference in the payments of claims from Wellmark.

What is Senior Health Insurance Information Program?

Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) SHIIP is a free, confidential service of the Iowa Department of Insurance that helps Iowans make informed decisions about Medicare and other health coverage. Medicare and You is a great source of information about all aspects of Medicare.

How many parts of Medicare are there in Iowa?

As either a State of Iowa active employee or retiree enrolled in a state-sponsored health insurance plan, there are three parts of Medicare that could affect you.

How to stop Medicare coverage for disabled spouse?

If you want to stop health coverage for the disabled dependent or spouse/domestic partner, you should contact Social Security to ask about Medicare eligibility and contact your agency’s Human Resources Associate to make your changes to your insurance coverage. A change can only be made according to the guidelines for changes due to a qualifying life event or during the annual enrollment and change period.

What is Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part B. The part of Medicare that helps pay for medically necessary physicians' services, outpatient hospital services, and a number of other medical services and supplies not covered by Medicare Part A, as well as some home health services.

Is a spouse eligible for Medicare in Iowa?

Active Employee or Dependent, Spouse/Domestic Partner Medicare-Eligible Due to Disability. If you, a covered family member enrolled under your active employee State of Iowa health plan, become eligible for Medicare due to a disability, the State's health plan will continue to be the primary insurance. If the reason for disability is due ...

How old do you have to be to continue health insurance in Iowa?

Eligibility to Continue Insurance Benefits at Retirement. To be eligible for continuing retiree health and dental coverage, you must: Be at least age 55 by your retirement date. Apply for a bona fide retirement and begin to receive a State of Iowa monthly pension benefit (IPERS) following termination of employment.

When does the retirement enrollment period start?

Retirees have an annual Enrollment and Change period which begins in October through December 7. During the Retiree Enrollment and Change: You can change your health plan. Add or remove eligible family members to your health coverage. Add or remove eligible family members to your dental coverage.

When do you retire from dental insurance?

You retiree August 5 . Your health and dental coverage as an active employee continues through the end of August. Retiree health and dental coverage must begin September 1. You cannot postpone the beginning date of retiree health and dental coverage.

What is the phone number for DAS-HRE?

If you do not receive any information from DAS-HRE by the end of October, please call 866-895-2464 or email stateretirees@iowa.gov .

How long before retirement do you have to submit HRA?

To avoid any disruption in coverage, submit the completed applications and forms to your HRA at least 30 days before your retirement date.

Can you elect dental insurance when you retire?

If you are the policyholder in the State’s health and dental plan when you retiree, you can elect: You can elect different coverage levels (single or family) between health and dental insurance. The same health plan provisions that govern active employees’ coverage also apply to retirees’ coverage.

Can a retiree be a policyholder in Iowa?

A State retiree who is a dependent under a State policyholder’s health or dental coverage can become a policyholder as long as the dependent has maintained continuous coverage under the State of Iowa’s health and dental plans. (The State of Iowa health and dental do not include plans offered by the Board of Regents institutions.)

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