Post-65 Retiree Medical Benefits

Retirees and spouses/QA over age 65 are Medicare eligible and must transition from the university health plan to Medicare. This transition will happen at the time of retirement if you are already age 65 or as you approach your 65th birthday. To help cover some of the costs not covered by Medicare Part B, the university provides retirees access to an AARP Medicare Part B Supplement plan. While you are responsible for paying a monthly premium for this supplement plan, the university will provide a contribution to lower the overall cost of this plan to retirees ($108.10/month for individual or $216.20/month if you have an eligible spouse/QA).

Note: If you were under the age of 65 at the time of retirement, you must contact the UofL Benefits office three months prior to your 65th birthday to begin your transition from the university health plan to Medicare and the AARP Medicare Part B Supplement Plan.

Learn more about the transition to Medicare by contacting Health Advocate at 866-799-2731 and/or review the Medicare Coverage Guide and Medicare 101 Guide, provided by Health Advocate.

Medicare

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older and is the primary source of medical coverage for most retirees. The different parts of Medicare help cover specific services (e.g., Part A/Part B, Part D). The following information is just a summary of potential costs for UofL retirees. There are various rules, enrollment periods, deadlines and costs associated with Medicare, so please visit medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for more information regarding Medicare. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.

Medicare Parts A, B, & D

Medicare Part A - Hospital Insurance
Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care and some home health care. In most cases there is no premium for Part A.

Medicare Part B - Medical Insurance

Part B covers certain doctor services, outpatient care, medical supplies and preventive services. You are responsible for paying a premium for Part B. UofL does not contribute towards this premium.

AARP Medicare Part B Supplement Plan

As a retiree over the age of 64, you have access to an AARP Medicare Part B Supplement Plan. You are responsible for paying a monthly premium for a supplement plan. However, the university will provide a contribution to lower your overall cost of the plan ($108.10/month for individual or $216.20/month if you have an eligible spouse/QA). To find out more about the AARP Medicare Part B Supplement insurance plans, visit www.aarphealthcare.com. Under Healthcare & Insurance, select Medicare. Then select the Medicare Supplement Insurance link. You can also call the AARP Health Care Options Program at 1-800-392-7537.

Medicare D - Prescription Drug Coverage

Medicare prescription drug plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare for people with Medicare coverage. You are responsible for paying the premium for Medicare Part D. UofL does not contribute to this premium. Like other insurance, if you enroll in a prescription drug plan, you will pay a monthly premium and pay a share of the cost of your prescriptions. Costs will vary depending on the drug plan you select. Visit medicare.gov for more information.

Drug plans may vary in what prescription drugs are covered, how much you have to pay, and which pharmacies you can use. All drug plans will have to provide at least a standard level of coverage, which Medicare will set. However, some plans might offer more coverage and additional drugs for a higher monthly premium. When you join a drug plan, it is important for you to choose one that meets your prescription needs. You may wish to contact your pharmacist for assistance in choosing a drug plan that will best meet your needs.

How to Enroll in Medicare

For full details and additional information on how to enroll in Medicare, visit medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE. Three months prior to your 65th birthday, it is recommended you contact the UofL Human Resources department at 502-852-6258 to request an AARP Medicare Part B Supplement Insurance Packet, which contains an application and information to help you make an informed decision.

Social Security

For specific questions about Social Security, please contact the Louisville Social Security Administration Office at 1-866-716-9671. Additional contact information and directions on how to apply for social security benefit online may be found at www.ssa.gov. You may also visit the local Social Security Administration Office at the following addresses

1. Social Security Administration Office

    601 W. Broadway Room 101

    Louisville, KY 40202

2. Social Security Administration Office

    10503 Timberwood Circle Suite 50

    Louisville, Ky 40223