You do not have to enroll in Medicare Part B if you are a retired federal employee with a Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) plan. Your FEHB also cannot require that you receive coverage under Medicare. However, you are entitled to Medicare under the same eligibility requirements for all retirees.
Enrolling in Medicare Part B may have some advantages including but not limited to:
- You will be able to coordinate benefits between your Medicare coverage and your FEHB coverage to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
- You may be able to waive copays and deductibles from certain HMOs if your primary insurance is Medicare. Please contact your FEHB plan for more information.
- You may be able to receive certain services that may not be covered or partially covered by your FEHB plan. Services covered under Plan B include home healthcare, medical supplies and durable equipment, and orthopedic and prosthetic devices.
- You may be able to see out-of-network providers for Part B services and have the services reimbursed by Medicare if Medicare is your primary payer and you are covered by an FEHB HMO.
- Your coverage, cost, and benefits may change each year because FEHB plans are renewed annually. Your plan is also subject to termination with the Office of Personnel Management.*
* Source: "The Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and Medicare", United States Office of Personnel Management.
