Do retiree's covered by FEHB need to enroll in Medicare?

A recent article published on 2/16/2023 at www.medicareresources.org addresses whether individuals who have retiree coverage through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program need to enroll in Medicare. Per the article which was titled:  If I have retiree coverage through the FEHB, do I need to enroll in Medicare?, the short answer is no, they are not required to enroll in Medicare, but they may choose to do so.

FEHB coverage provides comprehensive health insurance for federal retirees and their eligible family members, but it does not cover all medical expenses. Medicare can help cover some of the gaps in FEHB coverage, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and some prescription drug costs. However, individuals who choose to enroll in Medicare may need to pay monthly premiums for Medicare Part B, and they may also face higher deductibles and coinsurance amounts for their FEHB coverage.

The article recommends that individuals review their current health care needs and compare the costs and benefits of Medicare and FEHB coverage before making a decision about enrollment. It is also important to note that individuals who delay enrolling in Medicare may face penalties and restrictions on when they can enroll in the future.

What is the FHEB Program?

The Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHB) is a health insurance program offered to federal employees, retirees, and their dependents. It provides comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision benefits, and offers a wide range of plan options from various private insurance carriers. The program is administered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and is the largest employer-sponsored health insurance program in the United States, covering over 8 million people.?

Insurance Agent in RI offering assistance with Medicare plans
If you are a Rhode Island resident and are enrolled in FEHB, connect with Ted Czabanowski for a complimentary consultation if you have questions about your health care coverage options.