If you have been a continuous USFHP member since Sept. 30, 2012:
You are eligible to stay in the plan for life. You don’t have to do a thing – your plan will continue without interruption.
If you joined the plan on Oct. 1, 2012, or after:
When you turn 65, your plan enrollment will automatically discontinue. You will instead have the opportunity to enroll in TRICARE for Life, which requires members to enroll in Medicare.
We understand — turning 65 means lots of questions
So we’ve provided simple answers to the common questions our members often ask as they are turning 65.
If I am already enrolled in USFHP, do I have to do anything to keep my coverage when I turn 65?
No. As long as you have been continuously enrolled in USFHP since Sept. 30, 2012, your coverage will continue without change or interruption. The only difference is that, should you choose to enroll in Medicare Part B, USFHP will waive all of your enrollment fees and copays (except prescriptions), so you will no longer have to pay for these as a USFHP member.
I heard that Congress passed a law that makes military retirees ineligible for USFHP when they turn 65. Does that affect me?
Not as long as you remain continuously enrolled in USFHP since Sept.
Why should I enroll in Medicare?
One great reason is that, should you choose to enroll in Medicare Part B, USFHP will waive all of your enrollment fees and copays (except prescriptions). Also, if you instead decide to enroll later (for example, if you move to a state or area that does not offer USFHP), you may incur penalties for late enrollment and have to deal with waiting periods. For these reasons, we strongly encourage members to enroll in Medicare Part B as soon as they are eligible. The ideal time to enroll is several months before your 65th birthday.
When should I sign up for Medicare?
To avoid penalties, you should sign up as soon as you are eligible, several months before your 65th birthday. Find out when and how to sign up at www.medicare.gov.
What happens if I decide not to enroll in Medicare Part B?
As noted above, if you delay enrolling once you become eligible for Medicare, you could face late-enrollment penalties and waiting periods. If you enroll in Medicare Part B, USFHP will waive your enrollment fees and copays (except prescriptions). These fees are imposed by the Department of Defense, and may increase from time to time.
I decided to keep my USFHP coverage and I am enrolled in Medicare Part B. Now what?
Your Medicare enrollment will be reported to DEERS automatically. Upon receiving your Medicare card, check or call DEERS at 800-538-9552 to confirm it reflects your Medicare enrollment. USFHP will mail you a new member ID card with the $0 copay change indicated on the front of the card. Your new USFHP member ID card will be the only card you need to present when you go to the doctor. USFHP will still be your primary plan. To prevent double payment of services, you cannot use Medicare for any services covered by USFHP.
Which coverage do I use: USFHP or Medicare?
If you enroll in Medicare, USFHP will still be your primary insurer and health care provider. You must receive all services through USFHP; you cannot use your Medicare coverage for any services covered by USFHP. A few services not covered by USFHP—such as chiropractic care and end-stage renal disease treatment—will be covered by Medicare. ChooseHealthy is a USFHP member program offering minimum discounts of 25% on noncovered specialty services, including chiropractic care, acupuncture and therapeutic massage.
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