Medicare
Retiree health coverage and Medicare: check before you change anything
Do not cancel retiree coverage until you know how it works with Medicare. Some retiree plans can be lost for good once you drop them, and some stop paying for things Medicare would cover.
Questions to ask the retiree plan
- Does the plan pay before or after Medicare?
- Do I need Part B to keep the retiree plan?
- If I leave the plan, can I come back?
- Does it include drug coverage, and is it as good as a standard Part D plan?
- Can my spouse stay on the plan, and what happens to them if I die?
Why people look at changing
Some retirees find a Medicare plan fits better or costs less than the retiree plan. Others find the retiree plan is worth keeping. The only way to know is to compare the actual benefits side by side, with the answers written down.
Have this ready when you call
- Your retiree plan's summary of benefits
- Your retiree plan's contact information
- Your Medicare card
- Your medicine list
Common questions
Can I keep my retiree plan and add a Medicare drug plan?
In some cases, yes, but joining a separate drug plan can cause some retiree plans to drop you. Ask the retiree plan first.
What if my former employer ends retiree coverage?
Losing retiree coverage generally opens a window to join a Medicare plan. Ask about the dates as soon as you hear.
Related answers
Rather talk it through?
Call 855-367-1095 and a licensed agent will go through your situation with you. There is no charge to ask, and no obligation to enroll.
- Licensed insurance help
- No guaranteed eligibility, pricing, or availability
- Educational starting point
GetFastRates.com is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Calling connects you with licensed insurance help. Plan availability, costs, benefits, and enrollment rules can vary by state, carrier, and individual situation.