Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) plans continue paying primary for retirees who do not enroll in Medicare Part B. FEHB is only secondary if you enroll in Part B. Whether to enroll in Part B or use FEHB as primary coverage is a personal decision, based on your individual circumstances.
Full Answer
What are some benefits of FEP Bluevision?
High Option
- Free eye exams
- Free frames OR contact lenses
- Fully covered frames from the BCBS FEP Vision Exclusive Collection • $200 frame allowance for any frame outside of the Exclusive Collection
- 20% off frames over $200 at select nationwide retailers Standard Option
- Free eye exams
- Free frames OR contact lenses
What is the best alternative to Medicare Part B?
- Social Security
- Railroad Retirement Board
- Office of Personnel Management
Which Medicare Part B plan is best?
- Part A (Hospital Insurance): covers a portion of hospitalization expenses and hospice care.
- Part B (Medical Insurance): applies to doctor bills and other medical expenses, such as lab tests and some preventive screenings.
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Insurance: can cover copayments, coinsurance and deductibles - gaps in your insurance.
Should you buy Medicare Part B?
Medicare Part B typically requires supplemental premiums to be paid by the beneficiary. You can enroll in Medicare Part B by paying a monthly premium, although this premium is typically quite low ...
Do I need Medicare Part B if I have FEP insurance?
You don't have to take Part B coverage if you don't want it, and your FEHB plan can't require you to take it. There are some advantages to enrolling in Part B: You must be enrolled in Parts A and B to join a Medicare Advantage plan.
Do federal retirees need Medicare Part B FEHB?
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.
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.
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.
Do I need Medicare Part D if I have 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.
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 FEHB creditable coverage for Medicare Part B?
Because all FEHB Program plans have as good or better coverage than Medicare, they are considered to offer “creditable coverage.” So, if you decide not to join a Medicare drug plan now, but change your mind later and you are still enrolled in FEHB, you can do so without paying a late enrollment penalty.
Do federal employees keep their health insurance after retirement?
Unfortunately, federal employees do not receive free health insurance upon retirement. However, federal employees can keep their current federal employee health benefits (FEHB) plan upon retirement. Employees continue to pay the employee portion of the premium.
What does Medicare Part B cover that FEHB does not?
Medicare may cover some services and supplies that some FEHB plans may not cover, including but not limited to: • Some orthopedic and prosthetic devices, and durable medical equipment; • home health care; • limited chiropractic supplies.
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.
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.
Get money back
There are no restrictions on how you can use your $800 reimbursement. Most claims will be reviewed within one to two business days after they have been received. Upon approval, you will receive reimbursement by direct deposit or check, depending on how you set up your account.
Submit your claim
You can submit proof of premium payments through the online portal, EZ Receipts mobile app (available at the App Store® and Google Play™) or by mail or fax. You have until December 31 of the following benefit year to submit your claim for reimbursement.
What is Medicare for people over 65?
GET TO KNOW MEDICARE. Medicare is a health insurance program provided by the federal government, available to people: • 65 and older • Under 65 with certain disabilities • With permanent kidney failure who need dialysis treatment or a transplant (End-Stage Renal Disease) .
What is Blue365 discount?
Through the program, you can get discounts on different products and services that can help you live a healthy lifestyle, such as diet and exercise plans, gym shoes and athletic apparel, hearing aids and more. View all the current available deals at
What is Blue365 for Blue Cross?
Blue365 is a discount program exclusively for Blue Cross and Blue Shield members. Through the program, you can get discounts on different products and services that can help you live a healthy lifestyle, such as diet and exercise plans, gym shoes and athletic apparel, hearing aids and more.
How to contact Medicare for service benefits?
or call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY: 1-877-486-2048) . << Previous Next >>. 3. Combining your Service Benefit Plan coverage with Medicare is a choice. Here are some things to know that can help you decide: Keep your future healthcare needs in mind before making a decision.
Why combine Medicare Part A and B?
Another reason to combine your coverage is to get access to benefits not covered by Medicare.
What is the penalty for late enrollment in Medicare?
The penalty is a 10% premium increase for each year you choose to delay your enrollment.
How much is the penalty for delay in Medicare?
The penalty is a 10% premium increase for each year you choose to delay your enrollment. So, if you decide to enroll five years after you’re first eligible, your premium would be 50% higher than it would be if you had taken Medicare initially. There is an exception to this.
What happens if a doctor doesn't accept assignment?
When your doctor doesn't accept assignment, you can be billed up to the difference between 115 percent of the Medicare approved amount (limiting charge) and the combined payments made by Medicare and your FEHB plan. Medicare will pay its share of the bill and your FEHB plan will pay its share.
What is EOB in Medicare?
You will receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your FEHB plan and an EOB or Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) from Medicare. If you have to file with the secondary payer, send along the EOB or MSN you get from the primary payer.
What is FEHB in the US?
(ask your employing office) A Federal judge who retired under title 28, U.S.C., or a Tax Court judge who retired under Section 7447 of title 26, U.S.C. (Or your covered spouse is this type of judge) Medicare. Enrolled in Part B only, regardless of your employment status.
When does a FEHB plan pay?
Your FEHB Plan must also pay benefits first when you are under age 65, entitled to Medicare on the basis of disability, and covered under FEHB based on you or your spouse's employment status.
When you have ESRD and FEHB, what is the primary payer?
When You or a Covered Family Member Have Medicare Based on End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and FEHB, and: The Primary Payer is: Are within the first 30 months of eligibility to receive Part A benefits solely because of ESRD. FEHB. Have completed the 30-month ESRD coordination period and are still eligible for Medicare due to ESRD. Medicare.
When will Medicare be primary?
However, if Medicare was secondary prior to the onset of End Stage Renal Disease, it will continue to be secondary until the 30-month coordination period has expired. After the 30-month coordination period has expired, Medicare will be primary regardless of your employment status.
Does FEHB cover coinsurance?
If you want your FEHB HMO to cover your Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and other services it covers that are not covered by Medicare, you must use your HMO's participating provider network to receive services and get the required referrals for specialty care.
What happens when you retire with Medicare?
When you retire and have Medicare, it typically becomes your primary coverage and they pay first. If you decide to combine your Medicare and Service Benefit Plan coverage, we’ll pay for covered services not covered by Medicare. When you receive care, you should show your providers both your Service Benefit Plan member ID card ...
What is the service benefit plan?
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.
Does Medicare pay for its own network?
Medicare has its own network of Participating providers who accept Medicare’s assignment or payment. When you visit a provider (regardless of if they accept Medicare’s assignment), we’ll pay the difference between what Medicare pays and what you owe the provider.*.
What happens if you stay in FEHB and take Part B?
If you stay enrolled in FEHB and also take Part B: Medicare will be primary. FEHB may cover your Medicare cost-sharing (deductibles, copayments, coinsurances) If you stay enrolled in FEHB and do not enroll in Part B: Your FEHB plan will continue providing the same coverage it did when you were actively employed.
Does FEHB have HMO?
Remember, FEHB plans offer HMO and FFS options . FEHB HMO plans have networks of providers and facilities. FFS plans allow you to see any provider, but you may pay higher costs. You should also compare the costs and benefits of your FEHB drug coverage and Part D to decide which best suits your needs.
Is FEHB primary or secondary?
Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) plans continue paying primary for retirees who do not enroll in Medicare Part B. FEHB is only secondary if you enroll in Part B. Whether to enroll in Part B or use FEHB as primary coverage is a personal decision, based on your individual circumstances.
What is an annuitant without Medicare?
Annuitants without Medicare . Annuitants with Medicare Parts A and B who pay regular premium rates, which include not only the FEHB premium, but also the Part B Medicare premium. Annuitants with Medicare Parts A and B who will pay higher "income-tested" rates, which include not only the FEHB premium, but also a higher Part B Medicare premium.
Which health insurance plans offer a wraparound for hospital and doctor costs?
The three national plans that provide a complete wraparound for hospital and doctor costs also fund Part B costs are Aetna Direct, Blue Cross Basic, and GEHA High. Most Kaiser plans offer even greater premium rebates if you join their Medicare Advantage plans, as do most of the UnitedHealthcare plans around the country.
Why do you have to suspend FEHB?
Suspending your FEHB enrollment generates substantial savings because you will pay one premium instead of two. How much you will save depends on the precise benefits the MA plan offers to Medicare enrollees and whether or how much it charges in extra premium.
What is the Suspend option for Medicare?
Under this "suspend" option you pay only the Part B premium and sometimes an extra premium charge (usually only a few hundred dollars per year and often nothing at all) that the Medicare Advantage plan charges Medicare enrollees for additional benefits such as prescription drug coverage.
Is Medicare Advantage the same as FEHB?
Medicare Advantage (MA) is a program designed to be very similar in operation to the FEHB program. Retirees can choose from a wide range of PPO and HMO plans in an annual Open Season.
Can retirees choose a PPO or HMO?
Retirees can choose from a wide range of PPO and HMO plans in an annual Open Season. These plans’ premiums are paid mainly through the Medicare Part A and B payments (with some adjustments) that the government would otherwise have paid in direct benefits. The enrollees continue to pay their Part B premium.
Is MA a 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.