We’ve gathered questions we often hear from retirees about their benefits. We hope this might answer a question you’ve been wondering about.
Should I contact the PEBB Program, DRS, or Social Security with my question?
If you have a question about enrolling in PEBB benefits, the PEBB Program can be a great starting point.
If you have a question about your retirement plan, or whether you can use your pension to cover your premiums, visit the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS).
Finally, if you have a question about applying for Medicare Part A or Part B, or need a new copy of your Medicare card, the Social Security Administration will have the answers you need.
What is Medigap?
Medicare supplement plans are sometimes called “Medigap” plans. You can enroll in a Medicare supplement plan in addition to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). A Medicare supplement plan can help to cover out-of-pocket costs that are not covered by Original Medicare such as coinsurance or copays. It does not cover prescription drug costs, so if you choose to enroll in Premera Blue Cross Medicare Supplement Plan G, you will also need to enroll in Medicare Part D for prescription drug coverage. A Medicare supplement plan is only one option of supplemental Medicare coverage available in the PEBB Program.
If I enroll in a PEBB Medicare Advantage plan, can I enroll in a different PEBB plan later?
Yes. You can change from any PEBB Medicare plan to any other PEBB Medicare plan for which you are eligible during the annual open enrollment. That means you can return to any plan you left, or you can try a new plan. The next open enrollment will run from October 28 to November 25, 2024.
You can also change your medical plan during a special open enrollment if you have a qualifying life event, such as getting married or moving out of a plan’s coverage area.