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Medicare Facts and FAQs

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period

We realize that you may have individual Medicare supplemental coverage at this time. Via Benefits is available to evaluate your current plan(s) and ensure you are receiving the most benefit for your dollars.

  • If you decide to make a plan change with Via Benefits, you must do so during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period that runs each year from October 15 through December 7. Please note, there may be some plan change restrictions during this enrollment period.

Medicare and You Handbook

Interested in learning more about Medicare? We encourage you to review the Medicare and You Handbook.

Information Session Presentation

Via Benefits has presented a Medicare enrollment overview for Loyola employees interested in learning more about Medicare. View the webcast of the Medicare Presentation.

FAQs

Please view the FAQs below to learn more about Medicare.

Important Medicare Information

Learn more about Medicare using the resources below.

You can enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Medicare Part B in the following ways:

  • Online at www.SocialSecurity.gov.
  • By calling Social Security at 1.800.772.1213 (TTY users 1.800.325.0778), Monday through Friday, from 7:00AM to 7:00PM.
  • In-person at your local Social Security office.

Do I Have to Enroll in Medicare at Age 65?

1) You can enroll in Medicare Part A; there isn't a fee, and it is secondary to Loyola's health insurance plan. 2) Faculty and staff do not need to enroll in Medicare Part B during employment; you can wait until 90 days prior to retirement to enroll in Part B.

If My Spouse Turns 65, Can They Remain on My Medical Insurance?

If your spouse turns 65 before the faculty or staff member, they can stay on the Loyola medical insurance plan, and they can sign up for Medicare Part A because it does not cost anything. Loyola's medical insurance plan is still their primary coverage.

Is There a Penalty If I Don't Enroll in Medicare at Age 65?

There will not be a penalty if you enroll in Medicare after age 65 as long as you have health insurance coverage until your retirement date.

What Happens If Someone is On COBRA at Age 65?

If someone is on COBRA and they turn 65, this person will no longer be eligible to COBRA their health insurance plan and this person will have to pick up Medicare coverage.

Helpful Medicare Publications

Did you miss a Medicare publication? Or would you like to learn more about general Medicare information? Checkout the Medicare.gov website.

What Does Medicare Cover?

Medicare provides diverse coverage for different healthcare needs. Learn more online.

When Will You Pay A Higher Premium (Penalty) To Join A Medicare Drug Plan?

If you drop or lose your current coverage with Loyola University Chicago, and don’t join a Medicare drug plan within 63 continuous days after your current coverage ends, you may pay a higher premium (a penalty) to join a Medicare drug plan later.

  • If you go 63 continuous days or longer without creditable prescription drug coverage, your monthly premium may go up by at least 1% of the Medicare base beneficiary premium per month for every month that you did not have that coverage.
    • For example, if you go 19 months without creditable coverage, your premium may consistently be at least 19% higher than the Medicare base beneficiary premium. You may have to pay this higher premium (a penalty) as long as you have Medicare prescription drug coverage.

Need Medigap?

Some health care costs that are not covered by Medicare may be eligible for coverage by Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap).

Need to File a Claim/Appeal About Your Medicare Provider?

If you need to file a claim or an appeal regarding services and/or support provided by your Medicare provider, please visit the Medicare.gov website.

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period

We realize that you may have individual Medicare supplemental coverage at this time. Via Benefits is available to evaluate your current plan(s) and ensure you are receiving the most benefit for your dollars.

  • If you decide to make a plan change with Via Benefits, you must do so during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period that runs each year from October 15 through December 7. Please note, there may be some plan change restrictions during this enrollment period.

Medicare and You Handbook

Interested in learning more about Medicare? We encourage you to review the Medicare and You Handbook.

Information Session Presentation

Via Benefits has presented a Medicare enrollment overview for Loyola employees interested in learning more about Medicare. View the webcast of the Medicare Presentation.

FAQs

Please view the FAQs below to learn more about Medicare.