I worked for the federal government for 30 years and took early retirement. How does my federal retirement affect my Medicare options?
Answered by 14 licensed agents
If you are 65 and the your coverage will stop at 65 then you need to get on medicare part A and
B.
If you are 65 and the government is giving you lifetime coverage then you need to see if it is worth paying the medicare part B premium and adding medicare or just staying on your current coverage.
Answered by Jonathan Potter on April 7, 2025
Broker Licensed in UT, AZ, CA & 14 other states
Thanks for your question.
,
Answered by Bill Wheeler on May 17, 2025
Broker Licensed in KY & IN
Answered by Bob Greco on June 23, 2025
Agent Licensed in MO, IA & IL
The real dilemma with folks like you is that you likely did not contribute to Social Security and rather will get a pension. You also have the right to speak with a counselor or a Human Resources person with whom you can question about how most govt-veterans go about using Medicare throughout your lifetime.
Answered by Steven Bleicher on April 17, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ
Enrolling in Medicare doesn't affect your FEHB premiums, but it does change the order in which you receive health insurance coverage. When you enroll in Medicare, it becomes the primary payer for your medical expenses. Your FEHB will continue to be your secondary insurance.
Answered by Diana Garner on June 13, 2025
Broker Licensed in KY, FL, IN, OH & TN
Answered by John L Herman Jr on April 6, 2025
Broker Licensed in MD, DE & PA
Medicare Eligibility: Federal employees, regardless of whether they retire early or at the traditional retirement age, become eligible for Medicare at age 65.
FEHB & Medicare: You can choose to keep your FEHB coverage in retirement, & you can also enroll in Medicare Parts A & B.
Coordination of Benefits: If you enroll in both FEHB & Medicare, the two programs will work together to cover your healthcare costs. Medicare will generally be the primary payer for services covered by both programs.
FEHB Adjustments: When you enroll in Medicare, you have the option to adjust your FEHB coverage. You may be able to switch to a different FEHB plan or reduce your coverage, potentially saving on premiums.
Medicare Enrollment Timing: If you're already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits when you turn 65, you'll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B. If not, you'll need to actively enroll during the designated enrollment periods.
Part A Premium: Most federal employees & annuitants are eligible for premium-free Part A coverage at age 65. Part B Premium: There is a premium for Medicare Part B, which you'll need to pay regardless of whether you have FEHB.
Decision to Enroll: You have the flexibility to decide whether to enroll in Medicare, keep your FEHB coverage, or enroll in a combination of both.
It's recommended to carefully evaluate your options & consider how FEHB & Medicare will work together to meet your specific healthcare & financial needs.
Answered by Fred Manas on June 27, 2025
Agent Licensed in NY, CT, DC & 7 other states
Answered by Steve Brauer on April 8, 2025
Broker Licensed in AZ & CA
Medicare is your primary coverage and your FEP plan is secondary.
There are no other options other than dropping your FEP benefits to have a Medicare Advantage plan.
Your FEP coverage is better, so I don't recommend it
Answered by Marcie Barnes on May 24, 2025
Agent Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 48 other states
Answered by Deborah Webster on May 1, 2025
Broker Licensed in Ia & SC
You can continue your federal plan and not choose Medicare or the can choose Medicare A & B and keep you federal plan and benefits will be coordinated.
Answered by Karen Ansell on April 22, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL, GA, KY & OH
Answered by Kelly Linster on April 8, 2025
Agent Licensed in ND, AZ, CO, IA & SD
Answered by Mark Murphy on April 28, 2025
Agent Licensed in NJ, AL, CO & 9 other states
Answered by Phyllis Dixon on April 30, 2025
Agent Licensed in VA, MD & SC
Tags: Retirement The Medicare System
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