Overview
If you are retired and enrolled in a UNI or State of Iowa health plan, Medicare Parts A and B will become the primary insurance for you and/or your spouse/domestic partner on the first of the month when you turn age 65. However, if your 65th birthday falls on the first day of the month, then Medicare Parts A and B should be effective on the first day of the preceding month. If you continue your health plan in retirement, it will continue as a Medicare carve-out policy with the same benefits and will pay secondary to Medicare Parts A and your current health insurance will continue to provide you prescription drug coverage. If you are a State of Iowa retiree, you may wish to explore the possibility of enrolling in SilverScript, the Medicare Part D plan that coordinates on pharmacy coverage with the State of Iowa health plan for a further reduced Wellmark monthly premium. In order to get the lowest possible Wellmark premium, all Medicare-eligible dependents must enroll in SilverScript.
If you get benefits from Social Security, you will automatically get Medicare Parts A and B. Your Medicare card will be mailed to you about three (3) months before your 65th birthday. Upon receipt, send a copy of your Medicare card to UNI so they may update your records.
If you are not receiving Social Security benefits, you will need to sign up for Parts A and B. You should contact your local Social Security Administration office three (3) months before you turn age 65 to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B. Upon receipt, send a copy of your Medicare card to UNI so they may update your records.