Retiree Medicare Transition

Whether you are a new retiree eligible for medicare medical benefits, or a current retiree transitioning from an early retiree status upon turning 65, it's important to understand how your medical benefits correspond with your Medicare eligibility. 

Medicare Eligibility

Turning 65 is a Qualifying Event to transition to a County sponsored Medicare plan for both the retiree and any enrolled dependents. To be eligible for a County Medicare plan, the member turning 65 must enroll in Medicare Part A & Part B through the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Please note: This is only a qualifying event for a member to transition to a supplemental medical Medicare plan; no other changes for dental and vision coverage are permitted.

Transitioning to Medicare Benefits

60 - 90 days before the member's 65th birthday, you will receive a Medicare enrollment packet from our third-party administrator, BCC. The enrollment packet will ask you to select a new Medicare plan and provide your Medicare Part A & B effective dates and Medicare Beneficiary Number (BMI) located on your Medicare card. Non-Medicare dependent plan enrollment will not change. Make sure your address is up-to-date in Benxcel before this period to ensure your packet is sent to the correct address. 

You must complete and postmark the enrollment form to BCC by your 65th birthday to either transition to a Medicare plan or to opt out of County medical coverage. Failure to complete and return this form will be considered opting out of County Medical and will result in termination of your non-Medicare medical plan.

Didn't receive your Medicare transition packet in the mail? Download the PDF version below, complete, print and send to our TPA Benxcel for processing at [email protected]

Download the Medicare Transition Packet Here!

County Medicare Plans

The County offers Coordination of Benefit (COB) plans that are designed to cover the costs that Medicare does not. Medicare is the primary payer and your Blue Shield plan is the secondary payer. Present both your Medicare card and Blue Shield ID card to your provider and always confirm that your provider accepts Medicare. Providers that do not accept Medicare are not covered even if they are in Blue Shield's network.

In regards to your pharmacy benefits, the County's Medicare plans do include a Part D prescription benefit. Do not enroll in a separate Part D plan or your County medical plan will be terminated by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. For more information on your Medicare prescription coverage, contact Express Scripts at (844) 468-0428.

To view more information on the County Medicare Plans, including Summary of Benefits and Evidence of Coverage documents, visit the Compare Retiree Medical Plans page.

Medicare Education and Resources

Download "Your Guide to Medicare" PDF Review this overview from Alliant Medicare Solutions to help you understand Medicare and the choices available to you

Call Alliant Medicare Solutions at  (866) 273-6420

Call Alliant Medicare Solutions for assistance with enrolling in Medicare and finding the medical Medicare benefits that are right for you and your family. 

Call HICAP at (805) 928-5663

The Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Progam (HICAP) provides free and objective information and counseling about Medicare to the community in SLO County. 
Review the Retiree Benefits Brochure Find more information on the Medicare transition along with FAQs, current plan information, and information on Medicare Part D Pharmacy

Medicare 101

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