Medicare
Enrolling in Medicare Part A and Part B as soon as you are eligible will enable you to enroll in one of San Joaquin County's Medicare HMO or a Medicare Coordinated Plan. Premiums for Medicare health insurance plans are typically significantly lower than those of Non-Medicare plans. Additionally, delaying enrollment in Medicare Part B may result in a permanently increased Medicare Part B premium. To determine if you are eligible for Medicare, please visit www.Medicare.gov or call 1-800-633-4227 (1-800-MEDICARE).
Medicare Enrollment Deadlines
You become eligible for Medicare coverage at age 65. Your six-month enrollment window begins three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after your birthday. To apply for Medicare, visit your local Social Security Administration (SSA) Office, apply online at www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/ or www.Medicare.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 (800-SSA-1213).
If you don't enroll during your six-month window, you must wait until the general enrollment period, January 1 to March 31 each year. Additionally, delaying enrollment in Medicare Part B will increase your monthly Part B premium by 10 percent for each 12-month period you delayed, unless you qualify for a special enrollment period.
Medicare Part B Reimbursement Program
SJCERA administers a Medicare Part B Reimbursement program on behalf of the County, that reimburses the cost of Medicare Part B premiums for eligible retirees and their Medicare-enrolled eligible dependents using funds from the retiree's Sick Leave Bank. Please read the Medicare Part B Reimbursement Fact Sheet for more information.
Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage. The San Joaquin County health plans offered to Medicare-eligible SJCERA retirees include prescription drug coverage. You do not need to sign up for Medicare Part D separately. If you sign up for a separate Medicare Part D plan, your County-sponsored health insurance will end for you and your dependents. Please read San Joaquin County's Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage for more information.