Medicare Question

[camper65]

I'm 66 this month.
Is there any good reason to pick up on part "B" if I'm intending to carry over my FEHB when I retire?

 

[ssafed]

Check OPM website at www.opm.gov & select "retirees" page; type in "medicare part b" in top search box for various references about FEHB & medicare. The Q&A below is copied from there. Since FEHB plans vary, you want to check how the FEHB plan you have coordinates with Medicare. Your FEHB plan website probably has a section on coordination with Medicare since my FEHB BC plan does. I have standard Blue Cross plan and I couldn't see any advantage to my taking Part B so I enrolled for the Part A only. Hope this helps!

Q. Do I Have to Take Part B Coverage?


A. You don't have to take Part B coverage if you don't want it, and your FEHB plan can't require you to take it. There are some advantages to enrolling in Part B:

• You must be enrolled in Parts A and B to join a Medicare Advantage plan.
• You have the advantage of coordination of benefits (described later) between Medicare and your FEHB plan, reducing your out-of-pocket costs.
• Your FEHB plan may waive its copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles for Part B services.
• Some services covered under Part B might not be covered or only partially covered by your plan, such as orthopedic and prosthetic devices, durable medical equipment, home health care, and medical supplies (check your plan brochure for details).
• You may go outside of the plan's network for Part B services and receive reimbursement by Medicare (only when Medicare is the primary payer) If you are enrolled in an FEHB HMO.