If you are eligible for Medicare, the Retiree Health Care Plan will pay claims as if you are covered under Medicare, even if you have not enrolled in Medicare. If you are eligible for but not enrolled in Medicare, you will be responsible for paying Medicare’s portion of the claim. For that reason, it is imperative you enroll for Medicare now if you are already eligible. If you are not yet eligible, be sure to enroll when you first become so.
The health care rates for individuals who are enrolled in Medicare are significantly lower than the non-Medicare rates, so you may find that your total premium expense will be less once you enroll in Medicare.