Be Informed About Medicare

(This article appeared in the January-March 2011 issue of The American Postal Worker magazine.)

Judy Beard Retirees Department Director

Medicare Open Season is Jan. 1 through March 31 for those who have missed their regular enrollment period. Eligible postal employees and retirees are encouraged to look into the benefits of enrolling in this federal health insurance program.

Medicare covers most people 65 and older. Medicare Part A covers hospital expenses, including inpatient treatments, skilled nursing facility programs, and hospice care. Home healthcare may also be covered, but the beneficiary must meet certain conditions. Medicare Part B covers outpatient care and some preventative services.

Postal retirees do not have to pay a premium for Part A; however, everyone must pay a premium for Part B.

FERS- and CSRS-eligible Medicare recipients that receive Social Security benefits and who make $85,000 or less per year or joint filers who make $170,000 or less per year will not have to pay increased Medicare premiums in 2011. CSRS-eligible Medicare recipients who do not receive Social Security benefits will face a 4.4 percent increase from 2010 premium costs, bringing monthly premiums to $115.40. Individuals making more than $85,000 per year or joint filers making more than $170,000 per year may be required to pay more than that amount.

Enrollment for both Part A and B is automatic for those who receive Social Security benefits, and it begins on the first day of the 65th birthday month. Retirees who do not receive Social Security benefits may enroll in Medicare Part B during the three months before they turn 65, the 65th birthday month and the three months after. Retirees who are on disability begin the enrollment period 21 months after receipt of their first Social Security check, regardless of age, and must contact Social Security about applying.

Retirees who wish to enroll in Medicare outside of this seven month period may do so, with an annual penalty fee, but only during Open Season. Remember, Open Season ends March 31.

You can make an appointment to file for Medicare, replace a Medicare card, change your address, or get entitlement and premium information by calling (800) 772-1213, or by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov. You also can get answers to general or claims-specific Medicare questions by calling (800) 486-2048. For information on the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), call (800)-MEDICARE.

Retiree Q & A, Phone Line

The Retirees Department is constantly working to better serve you and meet your needs. That is why we are proud to announce two new services that you can access by e-mail or phone. The Retiree Q&A Section allows you to submit retirement-related questions to RetireeQandA@apwu.org. Please include your full name, phone number, years of service, and indicate whether you are a CSRS or FERS employee.

Our new automated phone line provides a quick and easy way to request enrollment forms, change your address, get information on retiree-relevant legislative news, or to report the death of a USPS retiree. The toll-free number is (877) 279-8669.

Congratulations!

I was delighted to host a meeting of our new Retiree National Convention Delegates in Washington, DC this past November in conjunction with the installation of national officers. Congratulations to all: John P. Richards from the Eastern Region; Dolores Young from the Northeast Region; Elizabeth Cramer from the Southern Region; Ronald DeLeon from the Western Region, and Beverly Shealy from the Central Region.

I am confident in your abilities to serve the members in your respective regions.