Medicare
Are you becoming eligible for Medicare due to turning 65, disability, or a diagnosis of End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)? This page has information about how your Medicare benefits will work with your NYSHIP coverage.
Medicare becomes your primary insurer when you are eligible for Medicare and enrolled in NYSHIP as a retiree, vestee, dependent survivor, or are covered under Preferred List provisions.
What You Must Do
-
Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to enroll in Medicare three months before your birthday month. Visit https://www.ssa.gov/onlineservices or call 1-800-772-1213.
-
Enroll in Medicare Parts A and B (be sure not to decline Part B).
-
If you are eligible for Medicare before age 65, you must notify the Employee Benefits Division that you have enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, and provide a copy of your Medicare card.
-
Do not sign up for any non-NYSHIP Medicare Advantage Plan or Part D prescription plan. Speak with your Health Benefits Administrator for more information.
-
Watch your mail for a letter and Medicare information packet from NYSHIP a few months before your 65th birthday.
Medicare Part D
The Excelsior Plan does not include Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage; Medicare-primary enrollees and dependents receive the same drug coverage as those who are Plan-primary.
The Employee Benefits Division is required to send a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program notice annually to all active and retired NYSHIP enrollees and dependents who are 65 or older, or eligible for Medicare due to disability. The notice attests to the creditable coverage status of the NYSHIP prescription drug program.
Medicare Card
After you enroll in Medicare, you will receive an individual Medicare card with a unique ID. Bring your Medicare card and your Excelsior Plan insurance card to doctors' appointments.
NYSHIP Publications
Publications with information relating to Medicare:
Links and Phone Numbers
Social Security Administration: 1-800-772-1213, https://www.ssa.gov
Medicare: 1-800-633-4227, https://www.medicare.gov