Medicare Eligible Participants

As a retiree, if you or your spouse become(s) eligible for Medicare while maintaining coverage under an MCHCP plan, Medicare Part A is automatic, but you should also enroll in Medicare Part B for the maximum benefit. Notify MCHCP and submit a copy of your Medicare card(s). If you do not sign up for Medicare Part B, your MCHCP plan will reimburse your claims as if you have Part B.

The cost of your MCHCP plan coverage may be adjusted because Medicare becomes your primary plan. If your contribution is based on years of service, although the percentage amount contributed remains the same, the decrease in premium also means a decrease in the dollar amount of the contribution. If you retired under the 2003 Retirement Incentive Law, the contribution will change to reflect a percentage based on your years of service and you will be charged the retiree rate.

If you want Medicare coverage to begin the month in which you become age 65, you must file a Medicare application sometime during the three months prior to your 65th birthday. For more details regarding Medicare enrollment, contact your local Social Security office.

If you are a retiree with Medicare as your primary insurance, you are responsible for copayment amounts. However, providers that accept Medicare cannot collect more than Medicare’s reasonable charge. The payments from Medicare, the MCHCP medical plan, and the copayment cannot exceed the amount of Medicare’s reasonable charge.