Transition to Medicare EGHP

If you have delayed Medicare Parts B & D (medical & drug coverage) due to current employer coverage, please follow the steps below to transition off employer insurance to Medicare.

1. Start Medicare Part B through Social Security
   1. Request a Special Enrollment form for Medicare Part B
   2. Have your employer complete the form.
   3. Return the completed form to Social Security prior to the date you desire coverage to begin. (Note: this form allows you to begin Medicare Part B when you need it and avoid a late penalty.)
2. Select Medicare Drug Coverage
   Review plan coverage and costs based on your current medications. Enroll into Medicare drug coverage 1 month prior to coverage starting so that it does not disrupt employer coverage.
   Enrollment can be done online at www.medicare.gov or by calling the insurance company directly. (Example: enroll into Part Din early May for June 1^st Medicare drug coverage to start.)
3. Obtain Proof of Creditable Coverage from EmployerRX InsurancePlan
   Obtain a letter from your employer insurance that states that you have had creditable RX coverage from the time you turned 65 to the termination date of the employer insurance. Keep original letter and make copies as needed. (Note: this proof allows you to have a Special Enrollment Period to join a Part D plan within 2 months of employer coverage ending and avoid a late penalty.)
4. Elect a Medicare Supplemental Plan
   1. Once you have both Medicare Parts A& B, you can now enroll into a Medicare Supplemental plan directly through the insurance company.
   2. Information about Vermont Medicare Supplemental Plans can be found at https://dfr.vermont.gov /consumers /expIore-insuranee /health
5. Apply for Federal &/or State Programs for Financial Help
   1. Federal ‘Extra Help’ also known as Low Income Subsidy programs helps with Medicare drug coverage. Apply through Social Security application or on their website at https://www.ssa.gov/medicare/prescriptionhelp/
   2. State financial insurance help – apply using 202med application or online at http://www.greenmountaincare.org/application_forms.html

Additional Resources:

Age Well State Health Insurance Assistance Program: 1-800-642-5119
Social Security Administration in Burlington: 1-877-840-5776
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: 1-800-633-4227
Health Care Advocates in Burlington: 1-800-917-7787