Part B (Medical Insurance)
Medicare Part B is medical insurance that helps cover doctors’ services, hospital outpatient care and home health care. Part B helps cover some preventive services to help maintain your health and to keep certain illnesses from getting worse.
Cost:
The standard premium for Medicare Part B in 2018 is $134. Retirees with higher incomes may pay a higher premium. Your modified adjusted gross income as reported on your IRS tax return from 2 years prior determines your cost.
Part C (Medicare Advantage)
You may be receiving marketing information and calls regarding Medicare Open Enrollment (through December 31 each year) and/or Medicare Advantage (also called Medicare Part C) plans. Please be aware, you are currently covered under the Rancho Santiago Community College District group retiree plan based upon the collective bargaining agreement and board policies that were in effect on your retirement date. In general, a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan supersedes any other medical plan, such as your District plan, that coordinates or supplements your Medicare coverage.
That means, your District plan would no longer provide any additional benefits, your only cover-age would be through the Medicare Advantage plan.
If you choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you agree to forfeit your benefits coverage through the District. We urge you to think carefully and be fully informed about your benefits before you seek or enroll in coverage other than, or in addition to, the District cover-age.
For additional information about Medicare Advantage plans, please visit www.medicare.gov.
Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)
Prescription drug coverage is included in your retirement benefits offered through the District and your coverage is considered to be comparable to or better than the prescription drug coverage that is offered through Medicare Part D. Therefore, you do not need to enroll in Medicare Part D. Doing so may cause significant delays in claims processing and may prevent your claim from being paid.
Additionally, enrolling in Medicare Part D means you agree to forfeit your benefits cover-age through the District
Enrolling in the right Medicare coverage is a personal decision based on your unique situation. Before enrolling in or dropping certain Medicare coverage, consult with a Medicare Representative to determine what options are right for you.