Medicare and You

It is very important that both the Fund and the Benefits Management Office (BMO) know your (and/or your covered spouse’s) Medicare status.

Your health insurance premium is deducted from your monthly annuity from the Fund and paid to the BMO. Once the BMO has received your payment, Blue Cross and Blue Shield is notified so that your claims can be paid correctly.

Your deductions for health insurance will be less if you are enrolled in Medicare parts A & B. Please be sure to provide a copy of your (or your spouse’s) Medicare card to the Fund AND the BMO when you become Medicare eligible.

Also, it is very important that you cooperate with the BMO if contacted about Medicare Part D coverage. Medicare advises the BMO if you try to enroll in a Part D plan or if you have successfully enrolled in a Part D plan. Both Medicare and the BMO have to maintain the same information in order for your prescription drug claims to be processed correctly. If you have enrolled in a Part D plan, your Plan (the City of Chicago Annuitant Healthcare Coverage for participants eligible for Medicare) pays claims after your Part D plan.

Remember, you do not need to sign up for a Part D prescription drug plan as you already have prescription drug coverage through the City plan.

For your convenience, here are the contact phone numbers for the Social Security Administration (800) 772-1213, and Medicare Part D (800) 633-4227.