Turning Age 65

What you do with your health insurance (NYSHIP or HIP) when you or your dependent become Medicare Eligible (typically age 65) depends on the policy holder's employment status.

An individual is required to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B when they are eligible for Medicare AND the healthcare policy holder is retired. HHH will reimburse Medicare Part B premiums for those who are required to be enrolled.

There is no cost associated with Medicare Part A (Hospital Coverage). There are premium costs associated with Medicare Part B (Medical Coverage) and Medicare Part D (Prescription Coverage) directly charge to you by CMS (Center for Medicare Services, aka Medicare). Those with healthcare through the District should never sign up for Medicare Part D since prescription drug coverage is already included in your policy.

ACTIVE EMPLOYEES (AND DEPENDENTS) TURNING AGE 65 - letter from NYSHIP that will be received

As an active policy holder, your current health insurance will remain the primary health insurance coverage for you and/or your dependent(s). Therefore, it is not necessary for you to apply for Medicare nor will you be reimbursed for the cost associated with Medicare Part B. Many individuals do choose to sign up for Medicare Part A only since there is no cost to them. It is also easier to add Medicare Part B when you are already signed up for Medicare Part A. Never sign up for Medicare Part D.

AGE 65 ACTIVE EMPLOYEES (AND DEPENDENTS) GETTING READY TO RETIRE

See below for retired policy holders. You must have Medicare in place the first day of the month following your retirement.

RETIREES (AND DEPENDENTS) TURNING AGE 65 - letter from NYSHIP that will be received

As a retired policy holder, NYSHIP or HIP automatically becomes secondary to Medicare for individuals that are eligible. Each carrier assumes that you have signed up for Medicare and will only pay expenses over and above what Medicare would normally pay. Therefore, you and/or your dependents who are eligible are required to apply for Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. Never sign up for Medicare Part D.

Since there is a premium associated with Medicare Part B, you will be reimbursed for the cost of premiums associated with Medicare Part B. Submit a copy of the Medicare card to begin the Half Hollow Hills Medicare Part B Reimbursement Program.

NYSHIP or HIP will remain your primary coverage for Prescription Drugs. Never sign up for Medicare Part D. These premiums (including any unavoidable income surcharge) are not eligible for a reimbursement program through Half Hollow Hills CSD.

Keep in mind -- If you sign up for a Prescription Drug Coverage with any other carrier (aka Part D coverage), you will be terminated from your current NYSHIP or HIP coverage since the coverage with these carriers are bundled together.