Medicare FAQ
Employees (or spouses) who are covered under the State Employee Health Plan (SEHP who turn age 65 have an option to
- drop the SEHP and enroll in Medicare.
- remain in the SEHP and delay Medicare enrollment until the employee retires (or terminates employment).
The SEHP has a short, helpful webinar to discuss When Medicare is around the Corner.
| Category | Cost | Please Note | For More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A (Hospital Insurance) | Usually there is no monthly premium | If covered under an employer's health plan, there is no penalty if the employee does not enroll at age 65. | Lawrence Social Security Office 866-698-2561 |
| Part B (Medical Insurance) | Standard Part B premium in 2023 is $164.90 per month (or higher depending on your income) | If covered under an employer's health plan, there is no penalty if the employee does not enroll at age 65. | Lawrence Social Security Office 866-698-2561 |
| Part C (Supplemental Medical Insurance) | Depends on plan selected | State Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) 785-842-0543 or 877-295-3277 (toll free) | |
| Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) | Depends on plan selected | State Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) 785-842-0543 or 877-295-3277 (toll free) |
Frequently Asked Questions
I received a TEFRA letter. What should I do? The SEHP sends a letter to those turning age 65 to provide the option to continue coverage in the SEHP or to select Medicare as the primary medical insurance provider. The letter will instruct you to download a TEFRA form from your MAP account and upload the completed form to MAP before your 65th birthday. On this form, if you select Medicare as the Primary Insurance Carrier, you will be removed from SEHP medical and dental benefits effective the first of the month in which you become Medicare eligible. If you select coverage under the SEHP medical benefits, it will be the primary payor and Medicare will become the secondary payor. If you need assistance in completing and/or submitting the TEFRA form, please contact KU Benefits, benefits@ku.edu or 785-864-7402.
I am turning 65 and am being told I must enroll in Medicare or I will pay a penalty? This is only applicable if you do not have health coverage through your own, or your spouses employment when you turn 65 and until you enroll in Medicare.
I am turning 65 and have a Health Savings Account, what should I do? Medicare states that a participant cannot have made any contributions to an HSA for six months prior to applying for Medicare coverage. If you plan to continue to work, and not enroll in Medicare, you do not need to do anything and can continue to contribute to your HSA. Six months before retirement you will need to switch to a Health Reimbursement Account (your HSA funds will still be available for your to use). The KU Benefits office will work with you and the SEHP to make this retroactive change. If the switch crosses calendar/tax years, the SEHP indicates there may be IRS tax penalties.