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