General Background

Medicare, the federal health program provided for people 65 years and older, has two kinds of health insurance. Part A, the hospital insurance, helps you with the cost of hospitalization and related care; and Part B, the medical insurance, helps pay doctor bills and other health expenses. Medicare does not have dental insurance or vision benefits.

It is strongly recommended that each person covered in the Welfare Fund contact their local Social Security Administration office at least three months prior to their 65th birthday for information about Medicare benefits and enrollment requirements. The Welfare Fund will assume you have enrolled in both Part A and Part B on the earliest possible date in providing your benefits. Your Medicare eligibility commences the first of the month in which you will turn age 65 or the first day of the month after you have been receiving a Social Security Disability Award for a period of 24 months.

When either you or your spouse receives your Health Insurance (Medicare) Identification card, check it carefully to see that all of your personal information is recorded correctly. Also verify that at the bottom of the card coverage is indicated for both hospital insurance and medical insurance and that an effective date is indicated for each type of coverage.

The hospital insurance (Part A) portion of Medicare is provided to you at no cost. However, the medical insurance (Part B) portion of Medicare has a monthly premium associated with it. When you enroll, the premium will be deducted from your monthly Social Security check.

Significance Of Medicare Enrollment

If you do not apply for Medicare on a timely basis, your ability to receive Medicare benefits will be significantly delayed and the monthly Part B cost to you and your spouse will be higher.

Once you are eligible for both Medicare Part A and Part B and submit a copy of your Medicare card confirming your enrollment in both Medicare Part A and Part B, we will automatically enroll you in the Empire MediBlue Freedom PPO Plan (a Medicare Advantage plan which includes prescription drugs through Express Scripts.)

Additional Information

If you are over age 65, actively employed, and covered in the Welfare Fund due to your employment, for your hospital and medical benefits. Contact the Fund Office and they will explain to you what happens with your coverage.