Health Insurance and Medicare

What is Medicare?

Medicare is a Health Insurance Program for people age 65 or older, some disabled people under age 65, and people of all ages with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure treated with dialysis or a transplant).

Medicare Coverage and your retiree health benefits:

1. Part A covers inpatient hospital services, skilled nursing facility, hospice and home health care and has no monthly premium.
2. Part B covers outpatient medical services, including preventative services and has a monthly premium.
3. Part D covers outpatient prescription drugs and has a monthly premium for most people.

You cannot elect Part D, when you retire and continue to participate in the Oberlin College Retiree Health Plan.

How Medicare Parts A & B Affect Your Coverage

1. Once you have retired and reached age 65, Medicare becomes the primary coverage for you and your dependents age 65 years of age or older, or disabled and on Social Security.
2. Your Oberlin College Retiree Health Plan becomes secondary to Medicare.
3. As a retiree, you and your dependents must enroll in Medicare Parts A and B benefits upon reaching initial eligibility.

Can You Still Enroll in Medicare While You Are Working?

Yes, however, as an active Oberlin College employee, Medical Mutual will continue to be your primary carrier. Part A is free and may be mailed to you automatically or you may enroll in it when you reach age 65; Medicare will pay secondary on Part A, after your deductibles are satisfied. You are not required to enroll in Part B while you are still an active employee.

When to Enroll in Medicare Part B

If you are 65 years old or will be 65 years upon retirement, HR recommends you enroll in Medicare Part B, approximately three months prior to your retirement date. If you retire before age 65, you do not need to enroll in Medicare Part B, until you reach age 65. For more information on Medicare, please visit www.medicare.gov