Medicare Blog

when i go on medicare do i lose my gm health insurance

by Dovie Schaden Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

Effective Jan. 1, eligible GM salaried retirees and their spouses will no longer receive health care benefits once they reach 65 and become eligible for Medicare. Instead they will receive a taxable increase to their pension of $300 per month.

Most retired employees use Medicare as their primary coverage and their G.M. health insurance functions as their supplemental coverage. Due to the involuntary loss of the G.M. plan, all those age 65 and above can enroll in a Medicare supplement plan without answering any health questions.

Full Answer

Can I Lose my Medicare benefits?

As Medicare experts, we constantly receive questions asking if you can lose Medicare benefits, how long Medicare benefits last, if you can put Medicare benefits on hold, and more. While losing Medicare benefits is possible, it rarely happens.

What happens to my Medicare insurance when I move?

If you’re enrolled in Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D, you may lose your current private coverage if you move to a new address that is located outside of the plan’s service area. These plans are sold by private insurance companies and may be designed for use only in specific locations with plan-approved provider networks.

What happens to your health insurance after GM bankruptcy?

Quotes Today! The bankruptcy of General Motors Corporation has forced the cancellation of health insurance coverage for many retirees. The changes will be effective January 1, 2008 for former employees.

What happens if I don’t pay my Medicare premiums?

For Medicare Part A (if you do not qualify to receive it premium-free) and Part B, beneficiaries receive two additional bills before their coverage is terminated. After the second notice, if the premium payment isn’t received by the 25 th day of the current month, your Medicare coverage could be terminated.

What is a Medicare leave period?

How long can you join a health insurance plan?

What happens if you miss the 8 month special enrollment period?

When does the 8 month special enrollment period start?

Does Cobra end with Medicare?

Do you have to tell Medicare if you have non-Medicare coverage?

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About this website

Can I keep my insurance if I have Medicare?

It is possible to have both private insurance and Medicare at the same time. When you have both, a process called “coordination of benefits” determines which insurance provider pays first. This provider is called the primary payer.

Can you have Medicare and employer insurance at the same time?

Yes, you can have both Medicare and employer-provided health insurance. In most cases, you will become eligible for Medicare coverage when you turn 65, even if you are still working and enrolled in your employer's health plan.

What benefits come along with Medicare?

What Part A covers. Medicare Part A hospital insurance covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility, hospice, lab tests, surgery, home health care.

When you retire is Medicare your primary insurance?

Medicare pays first and your group health plan (retiree) coverage pays second . If the employer has 100 or more employees, then the large group health plan pays first, and Medicare pays second .

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.)

What happens when an employee turns 65?

small employers. If you work at a small employer plan, your employer is permitted to require you to get Medicare when you turn 65. At that time, Medicare will become your primary health insurer. Your employer also has the option to cancel your workplace plan or retain it as a secondary payer of covered insurance claims ...

What is the biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage can become expensive if you're sick, due to uncovered copays. Additionally, a plan may offer only a limited network of doctors, which can interfere with a patient's choice. It's not easy to change to another plan. If you decide to switch to a Medigap policy, there often are lifetime penalties.

How much comes out of Social Security for Medicare?

You will pay no monthly premium for Medicare Part A if you are older than age 65 and any of these apply: You receive retirement benefits from Social Security....Is Medicare Part A free?Amount of time worked (and paid into Medicare)Monthly premium in 2021< 30 quarters (360 weeks)$47130–39 quarters (360–468 weeks)$259Dec 1, 2021

Does Medicare reduce Social Security?

In fact, if you are signed up for both Social Security and Medicare Part B — the portion of Medicare that provides standard health insurance — the Social Security Administration will automatically deduct the premium from your monthly benefit.

Do you pay Medicare tax after retirement?

The good news is that income from a retirement account is generally worth more than income from working. Once retired and living on unearned income, you will no longer be paying Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes. You will still be subject to income taxes at the federal state levels.

Why do I need Medicare Part C?

Medicare Part C provides more coverage for everyday healthcare including prescription drug coverage with some plans when combined with Part D. A Medicare Advantage prescription drug (MAPD) plan is when a Part C and Part D plan are combined. Medicare Part D only covers prescription drugs.

Do retirees pay for Medicare?

Here's how much you may need to pay for it in retirement. To cover premiums and out-of-pocket prescription drug costs from age 65 on, you may need $130,000 if you're a man, and $146,000 if you're a woman, one study says.

Turning 65 next year, when should I enroll for Medicare?

En español | If you already receive Social Security benefits, Social Security will automatically sign you up for Medicare Part A and Part B — though you can decline Part B enrollment if you want to. Otherwise, you need to apply for Medicare. The best time to do that depends entirely on your own situation. Broadly, there are two options:

Medicare while working past age 65

By clicking the button above, you provide your signature expressly consenting to receive communications via live telephone, an automatic dialing system, pre-recorded message, or text message from United Medicare Advisors or its subsidiaries, affiliates, or Companies at the telephone number provided including your wireless number (if provided) as well as via email regarding your health ...

FS4 Medicare for people over 65 nearing retirment

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Page 3. FACT SHEET: Medicare Decisions for Those Over 65 and Planning to Retire in the Next 6 Months

What happens if you lose Medicare Part A?

This means that if you lose Medicare Part A or Part B because of failing to pay plan premiums, you may also lose your private Medicare plan coverage. Be sure to contact your plan carrier for more information.

Why did Medicare take away my benefits?

Depending on the type of Medicare plan you are enrolled in, you could potentially lose your benefits for a number of reasons, such as: You no longer have a qualifying disability. You fail to pay your plan premiums. You move outside your plan’s coverage area. Your plan is discontinued.

What happens if Medicare Supplement is discontinued?

If your Medicare Supplement Insurance plan is discontinued, you should be granted enrollment in a new plan under guaranteed issue rights, which means no medical underwriting would be used in your application process.

Why is Medicare not being offered?

There are a variety of reasons why a Medicare plan might cease being offered, and all of them could mean that your private coverage is taken away. Low-performing Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D plans may be discontinued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). A private insurer may decide to restructure their plan offerings ...

What happens if you lie on your health insurance application?

If you were dishonest on your application in an attempt to secure a lower rate (such as lying about not smoking, for example), your plan could be taken away from you if your plan provider discovered that you lied on your application.

What happens if you don't pay Medicare?

If you do not pay by the deadline indicated on the Second Notice, you will receive a Delinquent Notice.

Can you lose Medicare coverage once you start collecting?

Can your Medicare coverage be taken away once you’ve begun collecting them? There are, in fact, a few scenarios in which you can lose certain types of Medicare coverage. Depending on what type of Medicare plan you have, there are different rules you should be aware of in order to maintain your enrollment.

How long does it take to get Medicare if you don't have Cobra?

If you’re not going to be eligible for Medicare yourself within 18 months (or up to 36 months, depending on the circumstances), you’ll have to come up with another plan for coverage when your COBRA continuation coverage runs out.

How long do you have to pick a new insurance plan after losing your spouse's insurance?

Losing the coverage you had under your spouse's plan will make you eligible for a time-limited special enrollment period in the individual insurance market, on- or off-exchange (note that in this case, you have 60 days before the loss of coverage, and 60 days after the loss of coverage, during which you can pick a new plan).

Is Medicaid a separate program from Medicare?

It’s easy to confuse Medicaid and Medicare, but they're separate programs with different benefits and different eligibility criteria. In many states, low-income people making up to 138% of federal poverty level are eligible for Medicaid.

Can you charge more for medical insurance?

Whether you buy a plan privately or on your state’s health insurance exchange, insurance companies are no longer allowed to charge you more for major medical health insurance because you have a preexisting condition or health problem (note that if you're buying coverage that isn't ACA-compliant, such as short-term insurance, your medical history will still be used to determine eligibility for coverage).

Can I get medicaid if my income is low?

If your income is low enough, you may be eligible for government-provided health insurance through Medicaid. In some states, the Medicaid program goes by another name like SoonerCare in Oklahoma or Medi-Cal in California. It’s easy to confuse Medicaid and Medicare, but they're separate programs with different benefits and different eligibility criteria.

How long can you get Medicare if you stop receiving SSDI?

SSDI is a federal program that assists Americans with disabilities. Individuals who stop receiving SSDI benefits can continue Medicare coverage for 93 months. However, they can only get 93 months of Medicare if they’ve completed their nine-month work period.

What happens if you move to a new address with Medicare Advantage?

If you relocate to a new address with Medicare Advantage or Part D plan you could lose your coverage. Private insurance companies sell these plans, which are specific to certain areas.

How long can you get Medicare Part A?

Additionally, they become eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A for eight and a half years if they finish the nine-month period and their trial work period. In the meantime, they can also continue paying for your Part B coverage.

How long does it take to get Medicare?

Medicare benefits start on the first day of the month of your 65th birthday if you’re getting Social Security. It could take up to three months if you apply yourself, or longer if you apply using the General Enrollment Period.

Can you lie about Medigap?

When applying for a Medigap, you should never lie or attempt to leave out the truth. Doing so can lead to the cancelation of your coverage. You’ll need to answer health questions and undergo the medical underwriting process if you apply outside of your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. In this situation, it’s crucial to be as honest as possible about your health.

Can you lose Part A if you are remarried?

You can only lose premium-free Part A if you were eligible through your ex-spouse and got remarried and your new partner did not pay enough quarters either.

Can you lose supplemental Medicare?

Losing supplemental Medicare coverage is different from becoming dis-enrolled from Original Medicare. The following are reasons that can disqualify you from your current supplemental coverage.

What is Medicare Supplement?

Most retired employees use Medicare as their primary coverage and their G.M. health insurance functions as their supplemental coverage.

What insurance company covers Medicare Advantage?

Instead, a private insurance company, United Healthcare, Anthem, or Humana for instance, covers the insured’s expenses for medical and prescription claims.

Is General Motors cancelling health insurance?

The bankruptcy of General Motors Corporation has forced the cancellation of health insurance coverage for many retirees. The changes will be effective January 1, 2008 for former employees. The good news for G.M. retirees over the age of 65 is that they will be in a “guaranteed issue” period for Medicare supplement and prescriptions Part D coverage.

Is it wise to enroll in dental insurance sooner or later?

Due to waiting periods, it is usually wise to enroll in a dental plan sooner rather than later. In summary, former General Motors employees will have several options available to them including Medicare supplements and Part D coverage, Medicare Advantage plans, dental and/or vision insurance.

Do all plans require medical underwriting?

All plans, except plan J, require no health underwriting. If the insured would like to enroll in a Plan J and they have previously enrolled in Medicare Part B, then they will have to complete medical underwriting. Fortunately, Plans C, F, G and others provide comprehensive coverage as well.

Can a G.M. retiree get a dental plan?

G.M. retirees may also wish to purchase dental and/or a vision plans. Typically dental and vision plans require no underwriting. The insured can enroll at any time. Most individual and family dental plans will have a waiting period before they cover major services. Due to waiting periods, it is usually wise to enroll in a dental plan sooner rather than later.

What is a Medicare leave period?

A period of time when you can join or leave a Medicare-approved plan.

How long can you join a health insurance plan?

You can join a plan anytime while you have job-based health insurance, and up to 2 months after you lose that insurance.

What happens if you miss the 8 month special enrollment period?

If you miss this 8-month Special Enrollment Period, you’ll have to wait to sign up and go months without coverage. You might also pay a monthly penalty for as long as you have Part B. The penalty goes up the longer you wait to sign up.

When does the 8 month special enrollment period start?

Your 8-month Special Enrollment Period starts when you stop working, even if you choose COBRA or other coverage that’s not Medicare.

Does Cobra end with Medicare?

Your COBRA coverage will probably end when you sign up for Medicare. (If you get Medicare because you have End-Stage Renal Disease and your COBRA coverage continues, it will pay first.)

Do you have to tell Medicare if you have non-Medicare coverage?

Each year your plan must tell you if your non-Medicare drug coverage is creditable coverage. Keep this information — you may need it when you’re ready to join a Medicare drug plan. (Don’t send this information to Medicare.)

When does Medicare enrollment end?

For most people, the Initial Enrollment Period starts 3 months before their 65th birthday and ends 3 months after their 65th birthday.

When does Medicare pay late enrollment penalty?

If you enroll in Medicare after your Initial Enrollment Period ends, you may have to pay a Part B late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Medicare. In addition, you can enroll in Medicare Part B (and Part A if you have to pay a premium for it) only during the Medicare general enrollment period (from January 1 to March 31 each year).

Can you end Medicare coverage for a spouse?

If someone gets Medicare but the rest of the people on the application want to keep their Marketplace coverage, you can end coverage for just some people on the Marketplace plan, like a spouse or dependents.

What is a Medicare leave period?

A period of time when you can join or leave a Medicare-approved plan.

When do you need to sign up for Medicare?

If the employer has less than 20 employees: You might need to sign up for Medicare when you turn 65 so you don’t have gaps in your job-based health insurance. Check with the employer.

What happens if you don't sign up for Part A and Part B?

If you don’t sign up for Part A and Part B, your job-based insurance might not cover the costs for services you get.

Does Medicare work if you are still working?

If you (or your spouse) are still working, Medicare works a little differently. Here are some things to know if you’re still working when you turn 65.

Does private insurance pay for services?

Some private insurance has rules that lower what they pay (or don’t pay at all) for services you get if you’re eligible for other coverage, like Medicare.

Do you have to tell Medicare if you have non-Medicare coverage?

Each year, your plan must tell you if your non-Medicare drug coverage is creditable coverage. Keep this information — you may need it when you’re ready to join a Medicare drug plan.

What is the phone number for Medicare?

If you have an urgent matter or need enrollment assistance, call us at 800-930-7956. By submitting your question here, you agree that a licensed sales representative may respond to you about Medicare Advantage, Prescription Drug, and Medicare Supplement Insurance plans.

Does Senior65 sell your information?

Senior65 believes in your privacy. We will not sell your personal information. This is a solicitation for insurance.

Can seniors over 65 delay Medicare?

Senior65 generally recommends those over 65 delay enrolling in Medicare Part B if they are offered coverage through work (including spouse’s work). We all want to stay clear of paying Medicare late-enrollment penalties while avoiding gaps in coverage. This is where Senior65 comes in to make sense of it all.

Does Medicare Part B start at the same time?

That way you can time it that when your work coverage ends, your Medicare Part B (and any supplemental or drug coverage you may purchase) all start at the same time. You should not have a gap when your work coverage has ended but your Medicare has yet to begin.

How long do you have to work to get Medicare?

First, it is important to know how eligibility for Medicare works. Most Medicare beneficiaries have worked and paid Medicare payroll taxes for at least 10 years to qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A as well as Part B coverage. If you have not worked for 10 years but your spouse has, you are allowed to claim benefits on their record.

Can a spouse with a low income get medicaid?

Medicaid is a joint Federal and State program designed to help people with low incomes cover healthcare costs. If, by retiring, your income falls under a certain level, the younger spouse may be eligible for Medicaid coverage. Be aware, as a family, you have to have a very low income and very little assets, so many people will not qualify.

Can a non-working spouse claim Medicare?

If the working spouse is no longer employed, the non-working spouse should go ahead and apply for coverage fully from Medicare. If the working spouse is younger than 62, the non-working spouse will not be able to claim on the record.

Does Medicare cover spouse?

Medicare will only cover you, not your spouse or children if they are not eligible on their own. This is where problems begin, especially when a working spouse is older than a non-working spouse. Say the working spouse turns 65, retires, and claims Medicare. The other spouse is only 61.

Can a spouse get health insurance after 65?

The other option would be for the younger spouse to find a job that offers health insurance until they turn 65. While this is a long-shot, some companies will provide coverage for the younger spouse even after the working spouse retires.

What is a Medicare leave period?

A period of time when you can join or leave a Medicare-approved plan.

How long can you join a health insurance plan?

You can join a plan anytime while you have job-based health insurance, and up to 2 months after you lose that insurance.

What happens if you miss the 8 month special enrollment period?

If you miss this 8-month Special Enrollment Period, you’ll have to wait to sign up and go months without coverage. You might also pay a monthly penalty for as long as you have Part B. The penalty goes up the longer you wait to sign up.

When does the 8 month special enrollment period start?

Your 8-month Special Enrollment Period starts when you stop working, even if you choose COBRA or other coverage that’s not Medicare.

Does Cobra end with Medicare?

Your COBRA coverage will probably end when you sign up for Medicare. (If you get Medicare because you have End-Stage Renal Disease and your COBRA coverage continues, it will pay first.)

Do you have to tell Medicare if you have non-Medicare coverage?

Each year your plan must tell you if your non-Medicare drug coverage is creditable coverage. Keep this information — you may need it when you’re ready to join a Medicare drug plan. (Don’t send this information to Medicare.)

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