Generally, it will almost always be to a federal employee’s advantage to keep their FEHB coverage in retirement without any changes. The exception is for those with limited incomes and resources who may qualify for Medicare’s extra help with prescription drug costs.
Full Answer
Can a federal employee have Medicare and retirement health insurance?
Federal Employee Retirement Health Benefits and Medicare. Beneficiaries eligible for FEHB and Medicare could enjoy having both types of insurance. The Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHB) is for government employees and retirees. The FEHB is through the U.S. Office of Personnel Management for those who qualify.
What happens to my health insurance when I retire from federal government?
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. The government pays the remainder of the retiree’s premium at the same rate as they do for current employees. (Up to 75% of the premium, depending on the plan).
Can retired federal employees deduct health insurance premiums from taxes?
But, retired law enforcement can deduct up to $3,000 of health insurance premiums from federal income tax. Although, for the most part, you can’t deduct health insurance premiums as an itemized deduction on an income tax return. Do retired federal employees lose FEHB plans when they become eligible for Medicare?
Do part time federal employees have to pay more for health insurance?
It is important to note that part time federal employees typically have to pay more for their health insurance than full time employees. (That is, the government contribution is prorated based upon the number of hours worked).
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.
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. You can find more information about this here. Should I Enroll in Medicare Part B as a Federal Employee?
Do federal employees get medical benefits when they retire?
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.
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).
Is Medicare cheaper than FEHB?
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.
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.
Do federal employees get benefits for life?
Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) The Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Program (FEGLI) covers over 4 million federal employees, retirees, and family members.
How good is federal health insurance?
One of the best things about being a current or retired fed is the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program. The government pays more than 70% of the total premium. Nobody can be turned down because of pre-existing conditions. And there are so many plans to choose from.
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).
Does Medicare have FEHB advantage?
Selecting the Aetna Medicare Advantage plan does not change your FEHB premium or enrollment code. Retirees with Medicare Parts A and B may elect to join the Aetna Medicare Advantage plan by following the two-step enrollment process.
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.
Medicare vs FEHB Enrollment - OPM.gov
Medicare And FEHB: A Bizarre Arrangement | FedSmith.com
What is the difference between Medicare PPO and Medicare HMO?
Medicare HMOs – You must get your care from primary care doctors, specialists, or hospitals on the HMO's list of network providers, except in an emergency. Medicare PPO Plans – In most plans your share of plan costs is less when you use in-network primary care doctors, specialists and hospitals.
What is Medicare Advantage Part C?
Medicare Advantage is the term used to describe the various private health plan choices available to Medicare beneficiaries.
How to contact Medicare for health insurance?
Other useful publications, such as the Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare, are also available at the Medicare number (1-800-633-4227) or from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counseling office.
Is FEHB a lower cost plan?
Once Medicare becomes the primary payer, you may find that a lower cost FEHB plan is adequate for your needs, especially if you are currently enrolled in a plan's high option. Also, some plans waive deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments when Medicare is primary. I Want to Join a Medicare Advantage Plan.
Does FEHB cover coinsurance?
This may help cover some of the costs that your FEHB plan may not cover, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and charges that exceed the plan's allowable charges. There are other advantages to Part A, such as (if you also enroll in Part B,) being eligible to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan.
Is FEHB better than Medicare?
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.
Does Medicare pay for FEHB?
However, if you choose to enroll in Part D, Medicare benefits for drugs will be primary (will pay first) in most cases for FEHB enrollees. (Medicare C plans that include prescription drugs will also be primary to FEHB benefits.)
How much is Part B premium?
For you and your husband, a year of Part B premiums adds up to $2,770, meaning that if you wait a year before signing up, your premiums will be $277 a year more than they would have been otherwise. Choice 2. Take both Part B and your FEHB plan.
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.
Can you keep Medicare and FEHB?
Retired and active federal employees with FEHB and Medicare often wonder if they can keep both. The short answer is yes! FEHB benefits cover inpatient and outpatient services, just like Medicare, but each program is different. Here’s a breakdown of what both programs cover.
Can you forego Medicare Part D?
How the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program and Medicare Part D Works. You can forego Part D since the FEHB is creditable drug coverage. With your FEHB plan, drug benefits may be broad. You’ll want Part D coverage if your prescriptions aren’t on the FEHB formulary. Part D pays primarily for medications.
How many Medicare beneficiaries will pay less than the full Medicare premium?
An estimated 2 million Medicare beneficiaries will pay less than the full Part B standard monthly premium amount in 2019 due to the statutory “hold harmless provision”, which limits certain beneficiaries’ increase in their Part B premium to be no greater than the increase in their Social Security benefits.
What are the parts of Medicare?
It is important to first review the different parts to Medicare. There are four parts to Medicare – Part A , Part B , Part C and Part D. Part A (Hospital Insurance). Helps pay for inpatient hospital care, home health care, and hospice care and prescriptions dispersed in a hospital or skilled nursing facility. Part B (Medical Insurance).
What to do before retiring from federal health insurance?
Prior to retiring, federal employees should contact the benefits administrator or their FEHB insurer for information about their FEHB prescription coverage before making any changes. It is important to note that FEHB prescription drug coverage is an integral part of a federal employee’s total health benefits package.
When is Medicare open season?
As long as the individual has FEHB coverage, they may enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan from during the Medicare Part D “open season” (October 15 to December 7 of each year) at the regular monthly premium rate.
How much is Medicare Part B deductible?
The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries is $185 in 2019, an increase of $2 from the annual deductible $183 in 2018. Since 2007, a beneficiary’s Part B monthly premium is based on his or her MAGI.
How long do you have to work to qualify for Medicare Part A?
Federal employees are eligible for Part A if they, or their spouse, worked in a Medicare Part A-covered employment for at least 10 years (40 credits), are 65 years or older, and are a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. If an individual is eligible for Medicare Part A, then the individual and the individual’s spouse is automatically eligible ...
Do you need Medicare for FEHB?
These plans are offered by private companies that are approved by Medicare. Federal annuitants covered by a FEHB plan do not need Medicare Part C. Part D (Prescription Drug Plans) which helps pay for outpatient prescription drugs. These plans are approved by Medicare but are managed by private companies.
Understanding the Eligibility Rules for the Basic Medicare Options
While in federal service, every federal employee pays the Medicare Hospital Insurance Tax (HIT) payroll tax, equal to 1.45 percent of an employee’s salary (and matched by the employee’s agency).
Compare Investment Options for 2021
3 – Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage, previously called Medicare Choice) are expanded health plan options (such as an HMO or PPO) approved by Medicare and offered by private companies that combine Part A and Part B in one network of health care providers. Medicare Advantage Plans are approved each year by Medicare.
What are the parts of Medicare?
The main parts of the Medicare program are Parts A, B, C and D . Medicare Part A is hospital insurance. It covers things like inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facilities, hospice care, lab tests, surgery, home health care on a limited basis, so kind of the hospital coverage that you’ve known to expect.
What to consider when taking Medicare at 65?
There’s a lot to think about with respect to Medicare and your FEHB plan. The first consideration is your health, both today and in the future. Sometimes at 65, your health looks pretty good and so it might dissuade you from taking on another type of insurance (and another bill). You really want to consider how your health may look over the remainder of your lifetime. Since we’re living longer, we have a greater chance of needing more health care services as our health naturally deteriorates.
What is the Medicare Part B premium for 2021?
In 2021, the Part B premium is up to $149 per month per person.
What is Medicare Part C?
Part C is an HMO-style program. It’s also called Medicare Advantage. These plans often have networks, which means you must see certain providers and go to certain hospitals in the plan’s network to get care. People who are enrolled in Medicare Part C must also be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.
Why are retirees afraid of the rising costs?
The first natural consideration is their health. The need for proper health insurance becomes very apparent when someone’s health begins to decline and that’s the reason why so many retirees are fearful of the rising costs in retirement. Oftentimes, we find that retirees are relatively healthy at the age of 65.
When is Medicare Part B decision made?
A Medicare Part B decision must be made once someone has retired from federal service and they are approaching that age of 65.
Do you need Medicare Part D if you have FEHB?
Federal workers who have FEHB will not need Medicare Part D because prescription drugs are already included in their FEHB coverage.
What are the benefits of federal retirement?
Employees in the federal employee retirement system, also called FERS, receive three benefits. (1) A retirement annuity (pension). (2) A supplemental pension from ages 57-62.
How long can you keep health insurance after retirement?
OPM states that federal employees can keep their health insurance after retirement as long as you meet the following conditions: You retire on an immediate annuity or postponed retirement if you have reached your minimum retirement age and have 10 years of service.
How long do you have to be in FEHB before retiring?
In addition to MRA+10 you also must have participated in the FEHB for the 5 years prior to your retirement. If you retire with less than 5 years of service in the federal government, you may still be eligible to continue your FEHB if you were enrolled in FEHB for your whole government career.
When do you have to enroll in Medicare Part B?
You’re expected to enroll in Medicare Part B when you turn 65 if you are retired. If you do not enroll at age 65, you will be penalized if you try to enroll later. You should know that while you can continue your FEHB benefits for life, your FEHB insurance company expects you to enroll in Medicare Part B.
How old do you have to be to get a full pension?
To receive a full pension, you need to have 30 years of federal service and meet your minimum retirement age (55-57 years old, depending on year of birth). You may also qualify for an immediate annuity at age 62 with 5 years of service or at age 60 with 20 years of service. However, FEHB is governed by the “MRA+10 rule”.
Does FEHB cover prescription drugs?
However, you may want to double check that your FEHB plan does cover the prescription drugs you need before declining Medicare Part D. If you decide you want Medicare Part D, you can add Medicare Part D during a future open enrollment period but may face a penalty in the form of an increased premium.
Does FEHB cover long term care?
Long term care. One final note Brian wanted me to share is that neither FEHB nor Medicare cover long-term care and are not a substitute for long term care insurance. While Medicaid may pay for nursing home care, that you’re not eligible for Medicaid until you have depleted all of your assets.
Which Part B Enrollment Decision or Coordination Strategy is Best with Medicare Parts A and B?
Viewed purely from an insurance perspective, using the Wraparound Strategy by enrolling in both and FEHB plan and Parts A and B is an inferior option, but until recent years was the only appealing option for those who didn’t trust (or even know about) suspending FEHB enrollment.
Income-Tested Part B Premiums
Annuitants with adjusted gross income (AGI) of $88,000 or more (single) or $176,000 or more (married couple) will pay higher Part B premiums in 2021 and future years. How much higher depends on the AGI amount, but can rise to more than $500 a month, or more than $6,000 a year, per person.
Researching MA Plans and Making the Change
To see the Kaiser website regarding its special MA plans, go to www.kp.org/feds and follow the links to that information. To see the UnitedHealthcare and Aetna information, start at www.uhcfeds.com or www.aetnafeds.com and do the same.
The Final Verdict
Despite these older and newer Medicare options, there is still a lot to be said for sticking with a traditional FEHB plan in retirement and leaving Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage to others.
Medicare vs. FEHB Coverage
Suspending FEHB For Medicare Plus Supplemental Coverage
- If you have Original Medicare and FEHB but want coverage through a Medicare Advantage, you’ll need to suspend your FEHB coverage. Suspending FEHB is not the same as canceling. Meaning, you can re-enroll if you decide to suspend your FEHB. However, if you enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan, you will be required to cancel your FEHB. Advantage plans, also known as Med…
FEHB Coverage After Retirement
- It’s never mandatory to take Medicare – yet, there can be consequences to delaying enrollment. When you have FEHB, you’re safe from the Medicare Part B late enrollment penaltyfor as long as you or your spouse is actively working. When you or your spouse retires, however, things get more complicated. Once you or your spouse stops working you will be granted a Special Enrollment P…
Mail Handlers Insurance and Medicare
- The Mail Handlers Benefit Plan (MHBP) has been serving federal and postal employees for over 50 years. Aetnaadministers the MHBP, whose plan options include Self Only, Self Plus One, and Self and Family – similar to FEHB. It’s best to have MHBP and Medicare when you become Medicare-eligible. Medicare will be the primary insurance and MHBP will give you access to thin…