Medicare information for SDCERA health plans  

When retired SDCERA members become eligible for Medicare, usually at age 65, it is important to understand how you will coordinate your enrollment in Medicare with the SDCERA Health Insurance Program.

Who qualifies?  

Generally, when you reach age 65, you are eligible for Medicare through your work history or the work history of a spouse. You may become eligible at an earlier age if you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits and have been receiving those benefits for at least two years. When you become eligible, Medicare becomes your primary insurance. However, because Medicare does not cover all of your medical needs, you will need to consider enrolling in a Medicare health plan to supplement that which Medicare does not cover.

Medical plans offered to members eligible for Medicare

SDCERA offers several health plans for members eligible for Medicare. For detailed information on these health plans, Medicare eligibility, and the health allowance for eligible members enrolled in Medicare, please click the 2008 Medicare Information for SDCERA Health Plans fact sheet, as well as the comprehensive Health Insurance Plans booklet.

Health allowance and Medicare Part B reimbursement

Members eligible for the health allowance (10 or more years of SDCERA service credit) who are enrolled in Medicare will be eligible for a $300 health allowance. In addition, if you have at least 10 years of SDCERA service credit, SDCERA will reimburse you for the cost of Medicare Part B, which is deducted from your Social Security check each month.

What SDCERA needs from you

SDCERA requires a copy of your signed Medicare identification card to confirm your eligibility for enrollment in an SDCERA Medicare plan. If you have submitted a copy in the past, you do not need to submit another copy. If you are (or your dependent is) newly enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B or if you become eligible for Medicare, please submit a copy of a signed card to SDCERA when you receive it.

Resources

Visit the links provided to learn more about Medicare and Social Security.