Full Answer
Is Medicare Supplement Insurance the same as retiree insurance?
Since Medicare pays first after you retire, your retiree coverage is likely to be similar to coverage under Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap). Retiree coverage isn't the same thing as a Medigap policy but, like a Medigap policy, it usually offers benefits that fill in some of Medicare's gaps in coverage—like.
How does retiree coverage work with Medicare Part A and B?
Retiree coverage might not pay your medical costs during any period in which you were eligible for Medicare but didn't sign up for it. When you become eligible for Medicare, you will need to enroll in both Medicare Part A and Part B to get full benefits from your retiree coverage. How does your retiree coverage work with Medicare?
What benefits does the Steelworkers health and Welfare Fund offer?
Benefit Options The Steelworkers Health and Welfare Fund offers a wide range of benefit plans designed to meet the needs of members nationwide, including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and short-term disability coverage.
How do I get extra days in the hospital with retiree insurance?
Sometimes retiree coverage includes extra benefits, like coverage for extra days in the hospital. Find a Medigap policy. Call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Call your State Insurance Department.
When can a retiree get Medicare?
65You will generally be automatically enrolled in Medicare if: You're receiving Social Security retirement benefits when you turn 65. You're younger than 65 and you've been getting Social Security disability benefits for 24 months.
Are federal retirees automatically enrolled in 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).
Do retired federal employees pay for Medicare?
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. It can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses as well as costs to FEHB, which can help keep FEHB premiums down.
What is the insurance you get when you turn 65?
MedicareMedicare is our country's health insurance program for people age 65 or older.
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.
What should federal retirees do about Medicare?
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.
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.
Do federal employees keep their health insurance after retirement?
Yes, you can keep your existing health benefits coverage if you meet all of the following conditions: You're enrolled in health care insurance under a federal plan when you retire.
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.
Do you automatically get a Medicare card when you turn 65?
You should receive your Medicare card in the mail three months before your 65th birthday. If you are NOT receiving benefits from Social Security or the RRB at least four months before you turn 65, you will need to sign up with Social Security to get Parts A and B.
Does everyone automatically get Medicare at 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.)
Is Medicare Part A free at age 65?
You are eligible for premium-free Part A if you are age 65 or older and you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. You can get Part A at age 65 without having to pay premiums if: You are receiving retirement benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.
Important Information
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are no longer investigating this matter. The information here is for reference only. A list of open investigations and lawsuits can be viewed here.
Details of New Contract
Both current and future retirees should expect “benefit adjustments” under the new agreements effective Jan. 1, 2013, according to reports. A letter sent to retirees and their dependents outlined changes in benefits for both pre-Medicare participants and Medicare-eligible participants.
Were Your Health Benefits Changed?
Some attorneys believe that the recent contract negotiations caused an unfair reduction in the healthcare benefits of union retirees. They are currently looking to hear from U.S. Steel retirees to help determine whether legal recourse is available.
How does Medicare work with my job-based health insurance when I stop working?
Once you stop working, Medicare will pay first and any retiree coverage or supplemental coverage that works with Medicare will pay second.
When & how do I sign up for Medicare?
You can sign up anytime while you (or your spouse) are still working and you have health insurance through that employer. You also have 8 months after you (or your spouse) stop working to sign up.
Do I need to get Medicare drug coverage (Part D)?
Prescription drug coverage that provides the same value to Medicare Part D. It could include drug coverage from a current or former employer or union, TRICARE, Indian Health Service, VA, or individual health insurance coverage.
What is Steelworkers Health and Welfare Fund?
The Steelworkers Health and Welfare Fund offers a wide range of benefit plans designed to meet the needs of members nationwide, including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and short-term disability coverage. Coverage is available for both active and retired employees and their eligible dependents, and can be extended to cover non-USW represented employees of a participating employer.
What is a PPO plan?
The PPO plan utilizes a network of participating hospitals, doctors and other healthcare providers. When PPO network providers are used, the plan pays higher benefits. Members may also choose non-participating providers and receive a lower level of benefits.
What does the Dental Fund cover?
The fund offers five standard dental plan designs that cover most dental services, including routine diagnostic and preventative care, basic restorative care, bridgework, dentures, and orthodontics. Participating dentists will accept the plan's allowance for covered dental services, less any deductibles or coinsurance. To view the standard dental plans, click here.
How long does a STD last?
STD plans pay weekly benefits up to 60% of average earnings for a maximum duration of either 26 or 52 weeks.
Does a fund medical plan cover prescriptions?
All fund medical plans include coverage for prescription drugs when purchased through a pharmacy network consisting of national and local chains, and many independent pharmacies. The member is responsible for a copayment for each prescription or refill.
