CIP and Medicare

Each plan participant must contact the SSA and apply for Medicare benefits upon turning the age of 65. If the SSA determines that a plan participant is eligible for Medicare Part A at a premium-free rate, the plan participant must accept the Medicare Part A coverage.

If the SSA determines that a plan participant is not eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A based on his/her own work history or the work history of a spouse at least 62 years of age (when applicable), the plan participant must request a written statement of the Medicare ineligibility from the SSA. Upon receipt, the written statement must be forwarded to the Medicare COB Unit to avoid a financial penalty. Plan participants who are ineligible for premium-free Medicare Part A benefits, as determined by the SSA, are not required to enroll into Medicare Parts A or B.

Members who are retired and are eligible for Medicare (or have a dependent that becomes eligible for Medicare) due to turning age 65 or due to a disability (under the age of 65) must enroll in the Medicare Program. Medicare is the primary payer for health insurance claims over the College Insurance Program. Failure to enroll and maintain enrollment in Medicare Parts A and B when Medicare is the primary insurance payer will result in a reduction of benefits under the College Insurance Program and will result in additional out-of-pocket expenditures for health-related claims.  Note: In situations where a retiree gains insurance through active employment after retiring from the community college, the plan through the new employer will be primary payer, Medicare will be secondary payer and the CIP plan will pay last.

Survivors (or their dependents) who become eligible for Medicare due to turning age 65 or due to a disability (under the age of 65) must enroll in the Medicare Program. Medicare is the primary payer for health insurance claims over the College Insurance Program. Failure to enroll and maintain enrollment in Medicare Parts A and B when Medicare is the primary insurance payer will result in a reduction of benefits under the College Insurance Program and will result in additional out-of-pocket expenditures for health-related claims.

If you are a survivor enrolled in Medicare Part A only, it is imperative that you contact the State of Illinois CMS Medicare COB Unit to discuss the Medicare requirement.

Plan participants who are eligible for Medicare benefits based on End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) must contact the State of Illinois CMS Medicare COB Unit for information regarding Medicare requirements and to ensure proper calculation of the 30-month Coordination of Benefit Period.  The CMS Medicare COB Unit can be reached at 1-800-442-1300, or by calling them directly at (217) 782-7007.

Each plan participant who becomes eligible for Medicare is required to submit a copy of his or her Medicare card to the CMS Medicare COB Unit.  Please send a copy of the front and back of the card to 801 S. 7th Street, P.O. Box 19208, Springfield, IL 62794-9208.  Cards may also be faxed to the Medicare COB Unit at (217) 557-3973.