Medicare Resources

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Overview

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for individuals age 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with qualifying disabilities. If you are an active employee or spouse approaching Medicare eligibility, it is important to understand how Medicare works with 91¶ÌÊÓƵ State University's health benefits.

This webpage provides general information about Medicare, enrollment timing, and how Medicare may coordinate with 91¶ÌÊÓƵ State University benefits. Because individual situations vary, employees are encouraged to email HR-Benefits@wright.edu for guidance specific to their circumstances.

Parts of Medicare

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)

Covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facilities, hospice care, and limited home health care.

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

Covers physician services, outpatient care, durable medical equipment, and preventive services.

Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)

Offered through private insurance companies that contract with Medicare to provide coverage for Part A, Part B, and sometimes Part D.

Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)

Provides prescription drug coverage. These plans are offered by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare.

Active Employees Age 65 or Older

Active employees age 65 or older may choose from the following options:

  • Enroll in Medicare and terminate 91¶ÌÊÓƵ State medical coverage within 60 days of the Medicare effective date.
  • Enroll in Medicare and keep 91¶ÌÊÓƵ State's medical coverage. 91¶ÌÊÓƵ State pays first, and Medicare pays second.
    • If enrolled in 91¶ÌÊÓƵ State's High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), both employee and employer Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions must stop upon Medicare enrollment.
  • Delay Medicare enrollment and remain on the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ State medical plan.

Employees are strongly encouraged to review their options, as Medicare enrollment may offer premium savings and help reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Spouses Age 65 or Older

If your spouse is age 65 or older and covered under your 91¶ÌÊÓƵ State medical plan, you may choose from the following options:

  • Terminate your spouse's 91¶ÌÊÓƵ State coverage within 60 days of the Medicare effective date.
  • Keep your spouse enrolled in 91¶ÌÊÓƵ State's medical plan while they enroll in Medicare. 91¶ÌÊÓƵ State is the primary payer, and Medicare is secondary.
  • Delay Medicare enrollment and keep your spouse on the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ State medical plan.

Spouses are strongly encouraged to review their options, as Medicare enrollment may offer premium savings and help reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Enrollment Timing and Important Deadlines

  • Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Begins three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after your birthday month.
  • Special Enrollment Period (SEP): May be available if you retire or lose employer-sponsored coverage.
  • General Enrollment Period (GEP): January 1 through March 31 each year. Late enrollment penalties may apply.
  • Missing enrollment deadlines: May result in delayed coverage and lifetime premium penalties.

If you elect to receive Social Security benefits when you turn 65, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A.

Medicare Resources


  • General Medicare information, plan comparisons, and coverage details.
     

  • Medicare enrollment and eligibility.
     

  • Educational webinars about Medicare coverage and enrollment.

Questions 91¶ÌÊÓƵ 91¶ÌÊÓƵ State Benefits?

For guidance about how Medicare may coordinate with 91¶ÌÊÓƵ State University health benefits, contact Human Resources at HR-Benefits@wright.edu.