Chapter 2: Exploring Medicare Options for Postal Workers How Medicare Works in Conjunction with the PSHB Program One of the key features of the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program is its integration with Medicare Part B for certain annuitants. By participating in Medicare, annuitants can leverage the benefits of the Medicare taxes they contributed as employees. Integrating PSHB coverage with Medicare has the potential to reduce overall healthcare costs and provide greater value to annuitants. Previously, the Postal Service annually paid employer taxes to support Medicare but faced challenges in ensuring full utilization of Medicare within its annuitant healthcare program. By enabling the Postal Service to generally mandate Medicare enrollment for its eligible annuitants, it can leverage Medicare similarly to other employers. This not only strengthens its financial position but also bolsters its capacity to sustain its vital public service mission. For more information about Medicare, please visit www.medicare.gov. While enrollment in Medicare Part B isn't mandatory during employment with the Postal Service, certain employees are required to enroll in Medicare Part B to maintain PSHB coverage after retirement. If you become an annuitant on or before January 1, 2025, or are an active employee aged 64 or older as of that date, Medicare Part B enrollment isn't mandatory to retain PSHB coverage in retirement. However, if you're an active employee under 64 as of January 1, 2025, or retire after that date at under 64, Medicare Part B enrollment is generally required upon retirement and entitlement to Medicare Part A to continue PSHB coverage in retirement. Exceptions to this requirement are detailed below. Understanding how Medicare interacts with the PSHB Program enables postal workers to make strategic decisions regarding their healthcare coverage, ensuring they receive the most comprehensive benefits available to them. 202404PMED1PSHBMD 13 www.Postal-Service-Health-Benefits-Program.com
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