Are retirees required to enroll in Medicare at age 65?

Yes, PEBP requires all retirees who are eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A to enroll in Part A coverage. PEBP also requires retirees to purchase Medicare Part B coverage at age 65 (or under age 65 if Medicare eligible due to a disability), regardless of whether a retiree qualifies for free Part A.

Active employees turning 65 and continuing employment are not required to enroll in Medicare until 60-90 days prior to retirement.

Categories: Medicare & Retirees FAQs

Are active employees required to enroll in Medicare at age 65?

No, PEBP does not require active employees aged 65 or older to enroll in Medicare. Active employees can wait until 60-90 days before they retire to enroll in Medicare.

Category: Medicare

I will not qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A. May I maintain my PEPB CDHP, LD, EPO or HMO coverage?

Yes. If you do not qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A you will be able to maintain your PEBP CDHP, LD, EPO or HMO plan. You will need to submit verification from the Social Security Administration that you’re ineligible for premium-free Part A. You will also be required to purchase Part B Medicare at age 65 if you are retired. You do not need to purchase Part B if you are an active employee who is age 65 and you can wait until 60-90 days before retirement to enroll in Medicare. Once PEBP has all of your required supporting documentation you will receive a Part B credit of up to $135.50/month to help offset the cost of your premium. Medicare will be your primary insurance, and your PEBP plan will be secondary.

Categories: Medicare, Retirees

I am retired with Medicare and will be transitioning to the Medicare Exchange. May I keep the PEBP dental plan?

The PEBP dental plan is available to Medicare Exchange retirees as a voluntary option with an additional monthly premium.

Categories: Medicare & Retirees FAQs

I was initially hired on or after January 1, 2012. Will I be eligible for the retiree health insurance premium subsidy at retirement?

Employees with an initial hire date on or after January 1, 2012 may enroll in retiree coverage but will not qualify for a retiree premium subsidy or Exchange HRA contribution.

Categories: Eligibility & Retirees FAQs

What is the Medicare Exchange Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)?

The Medicare Exchange HRA is a pass-through account for eligible Medicare retirees enrolled in a supplemental medical plan through Via Benefits. Contributions to the Medicare Exchange HRA are determined by three criteria: the date of hire, the date of retirement, and the qualifying years of service (5-20 years). HRA funds may be used to reimburse retirees for qualified medical expenses, health plan premiums, and Medicare Part B premiums.

Categories: Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA), Medicare, Retirees

I am enrolled in the Medicare Exchange with an HRA. How long do I have to request reimbursement from the date-of-service?

The Exchange-HRA has a timely filing period of 365 days from the date of service.

Categories: Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA), & Medicare

What happens to my HSA funds when I retire?

HSA funds are portable. At retirement, you will retain any funds in your HSA. You may also continue to use HSA money to pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses.

Categories: Health Savings Account (HSA), Retirees

I am retired and have TRICARE for Life. Am I required to enroll in a medical plan through the Medicare Exchange to receive a Years of Service HRA contribution?

An otherwise eligible retiree who has TRICARE for Life and Medicare Parts A and B will not be required to enroll in a medical plan through the Medicare Exchange. However, before PEBP will authorize the Years of Service HRA funding, PEBP will require a copy of the retiree’s military ID card (front and back) and Medicare Parts A and B card.

Categories: Medicare & Retirees FAQs