Make sure Medicare is usually your primary insurance Covering The Bases

I recently retired. My former employer provides excellent retiree health benefits that pay secondary to Medicare. I enrolled into Medicare A and B. I did not need a Part D drug plan since my retiree drug coverage is "creditable." Here is the issue: My doctor claims are not being paid. Medicare keeps denying claims stating Medicare is the secondary insurance.

You are correct. As a retiree, your employer group plan is secondary to Medicare. You will want to contact Medicare's Coordination of Benefits contractor at 1-800-999-1118 to update your records.

My husband served 20 years for the Navy and retired with lifetime benefits. As a military spouse, I am entitled to military benefits, including health insurance through TriCare. I just renewed my military ID, and I was informed that I need to enroll into Medicare and TriCare-for-Life when I turn 65. Why would I need Medicare when I turn 65 if I have TriCare?

TriCare-for-Life was enacted in 2001. TriCare-for-Life is for retired military (their spouses, widows/widowers and certain former spouses) that are also eligible for Medicare. TriCare-for-Life requires enrollment into Medicare A and B.

Medicare becomes the primary insurance; TriCare-for-Life becomes the secondary insurance. People with TriCare-for-Life do not need to enroll into a Medicare Part D drug benefit.

Some people eligible for TriCare elect a U.S. Family Health Plan. Federal legislation changed the rules for USFHP and Medicare. If you were: enrolled in USFHP prior to Oct. 1, 2012; continuously remained enrolled with that USFHP; and you become Medicare-eligible, you may continue your coverage under your USFHP.

If your enrollment into a USFHP is made on or after Oct. 1, 2012, and you are both under a military retirement status and a Medicare-eligible person, you will no longer be covered under the USFHP. You will be unenrolled from the USFHP and will be advised to enroll in both Medicare A and B and TriCare-for-Life.

It is recommended that you enroll into Medicare A and B. You may discuss your specific questions with either a State Health Insurance Assistance Program counselor at 410-222-4257 or visit TriCare at www.tricare.mil/contactus.

I am new to the area and need to find a doctor. I have Medicare A and B and a supplemental plan. Where do I begin my search?

You will want to visit www.medicare.gov (or call 1-800-MEDICARE) for a listing of Medicare providers.

Amy Rubino is the director of the Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program and the Senior Medicare Patrol for the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities. You may contact either program at 410-222-4257 or [email protected].

Credit: Amy Rubino