When to Sign Up

Typically, you will be eligible for Medicare on the first of the month prior to when you turn age 65.

Example: For birthdays of 6/2 - 6/30 - First eligible on June 1. For a birthday of 6/1 - First eligible on May 1

For Retirees with healthcare policies through the District:

You must sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B prior to your first eligibility - two to three months prior.

  • For the individual who is Medicare Eligible - Medicare will become your Primary Health Insurance and NYSHIP/HIP will become your Secondary (aka Supplemental) Healthcare. NYSHIP/HIP picks up costs that Medicare does not pay for and ensures that you receive the same healthcare coverage you are familiar with. Your prescription drug coverage will remain with NYSHIP and is called Silver Scripts. Since you can only have one Prescription Plan (aka Part D), signing up for another plan will terminate your NYSHIP coverage. HIP also will provide your prescription drug coverage in the HIP Prime HMO Network.

  • For all others on the policy - NYSHIP/HIP will remain their Primary Healthcare.

  • See Questions & Answers regarding the HHH Medicare Reimbursement Program

For Actives with healthcare policies through the District:

Prior to your retirement, NYSHIP will remain the Primary Health Insurance for you and those covered under your policy - REGARDLESS OF AGE.

  • Medicare Part A - there is no premium charged for this coverage. Some individuals choose to sign up for Part A when they are first eligible so that they are in the system.

  • Medicare Part B - there is a premium charged for this coverage. Since NYSHIP remains primary, there is no benefit to this coverage. In addition, Active employees (and their dependents) are NOT eligible for the HHH Medicare Part B Reimbursement Program.

When you decide to retire, those who are already 65 when the policy holder retires MUST have Medicare Part A and Part B in place on the first of the month following the date of retirement. You will not be charged a late fee since you were not required to sign up at age 65 - be sure to obtain the documentation needed from the District - this is supplied by the Benefits Department after you intent to retire is provided to Districtwide Administration and approved by the Board of Education.