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 Home < Retirees < Making Benefit Changes < Becoming Medicare Eligible
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Medicare eligibility is determined by the Social Security Administration (SSA), not the University. Most people become eligible for Medicare
If you are a University retiree enrolled in a UC-sponsored medical plan, UC requires you and your enrolled family members to enroll in Medicare Part B as soon as you become eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A, usually when you turn 65. Failure to comply with this regulation can result in permanently losing your UC-sponsored medical coverage. The SSA will send you Medicare enrollment information about four months prior to your 65th birthday. If you do not enroll in Part B when you are first eligible, Medicare has an annual General Enrollment Period (GEP) between January 1 and March 31, with coverage effective July 1 of that year. The SSA will add a surcharge to the Part B premium if you, or your eligible family member(s), do not enroll in Part B when first eligible. So, it is important that you enroll when you first become eligible. Medicare generally does not cover health services outside the U.S. UC, therefore, waives its requirement that you enroll in Medicare Part B while you live outside the U.S. If/when you return to the U.S., benefits under Medicare Part A are available to you and you are required to enroll in Part B. Medicare may charge a higher premium when you re-enroll. UC will send you a packet of information regarding Medicare three months before your 65th birthday. The packet will include a Medicare Declaration form (UBEN 126) [PDF], which you must complete and return with a copy of your Medicare card or your Social Security denial letter. |
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