Retirees

Quick Facts

Eligible retirees (age 65) must join Medicare Part B 
Eligible retirees (age 65) can join Medicare Part A

• Retirees are expected to join as soon as they become eligible
• The UN reimburses the approved premium amount for Medicare Part B
• Retirees eligible for Medicare Part B will have claims adjudicated as if they are enrolled in Medicare Part B

Eligibility

Medicare Part B is mandatory for all eligible retirees and their dependants enrolled in the UN After Service Health Insurance (ASHI) plan

• US citizens of 65 years are eligible
• US residents of 65 years may be eligible
• Part A if you have 10 years of contributions to Social Security
• Part B if you lived in the US continuously for a 5-year period

Ineligibility

What if you do not meet the eligibility criteria?

• Submit Medicare ineligibility form, notice from the Social Security Administration (SSA) indicating ineligibility, and copy of Permanent Resident card or passport (including visa pages) to the Health and Life Insurance Section (HLIS)
• Retirees that are ineligible for Medicare Part B will not have claims adjudicated as if they are enrolled in Part B, as long as they submit the documents indicated above to the HLIS

Enrollment

How do I apply?

• If you are entitled to US Social Security benefits you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part B unless you opt out
• If you are not entitled to US Social Security benefits you can apply by contacting your local Social Security Administration Office
• You may apply by contacting your local Social Security Administration Office
   

Do I have to join Medicare Part D?

• Do not join Medicare Part D as US-based medical plans, Aetna, Anthem and HIP, have a comparative prescription plan
   

I am covered under an active plan, but my spouse is age 65, what do we do?

• If you and your spouse are covered under a UN active plan, your spouse does not have to enroll in Medicare Part B until you retire
• Upon your retirement, your spouse must immediately apply for Medicare Part B
• If the Social Security Administration (SSA) office requires a Verification of Employment Letter, submit the document to the Health and Life Insurance Section (HLIS) for completion

Coordination of benefits and claims

Do I have to file claim forms with Medicare and Aetna or Anthem?

• If your medical provider participates in either the Aetna or Anthem networks and accepts Medicare, your medical provider will file the claim forms on your behalf.

Reimbursement of Medicare Part B premiums

Submit the following documents to ashi@un.org and the authorized amount will be deposited into your bank account:

• Copy of your Medicare Part B card and copies of the Medicare Part B cards of dependants covered under your ASHI
• Medicare Part B Reimbursement Form
• Letter or notice from SSA indicating your Medicare premium amount, as well as letter or notice from SSA indicating the Medicare Part B premium amount paid by dependants covered under your ASHI
• Your current bank account details (a copy of a voided cheque is useful for verification)
• If your new Medicare Part B Premium is the Standard Rate, please be advised that no action is required by you as HLIS will adjust your reimbursement to the new Standard Rate.