Medicare Resources

On this page:

Overview

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for individuals age 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with qualifying disabilities. If you are an active employee or spouse approaching Medicare eligibility, it is important to understand how Medicare works with Wright State University's health benefits.

This webpage provides general information about Medicare, enrollment timing, and how Medicare may coordinate with Wright State University benefits. Because individual situations vary, employees are encouraged to email HR-Benefits@wright.edu for guidance specific to their circumstances.

Parts of Medicare

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)

Covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facilities, hospice care, and limited home health care.

More Information: Part A Costs

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

Covers physician services, outpatient care, durable medical equipment, and preventive services.

More Information: Part B Costs

Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)

Offered through private insurance companies that contract with Medicare to provide coverage for Part A, Part B, and sometimes Part D.

Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)

Provides prescription drug coverage. These plans are offered by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare.

More Information: Part D Costs

Active Employees Age 65 or Older

Active employees age 65 or older may choose from the following options:

  • Enroll in Medicare and terminate Wright State medical coverage within 60 days of the Medicare effective date.
  • Enroll in Medicare and keep Wright State's medical coverage. Wright State pays first, and Medicare pays second.
    • If enrolled in Wright State's High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), both employee and employer Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions must stop upon Medicare enrollment.
  • Delay Medicare enrollment and remain on the Wright State medical plan.

Employees are strongly encouraged to review their options, as Medicare enrollment may offer premium savings and help reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Spouses Age 65 or Older

If your spouse is age 65 or older and covered under your Wright State medical plan, you may choose from the following options:

  • Terminate your spouse's Wright State coverage within 60 days of the Medicare effective date.
  • Keep your spouse enrolled in Wright State's medical plan while they enroll in Medicare. Wright State is the primary payer, and Medicare is secondary.
  • Delay Medicare enrollment and keep your spouse on the Wright State medical plan.

Spouses are strongly encouraged to review their options, as Medicare enrollment may offer premium savings and help reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Enrollment Timing and Important Deadlines

  • Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Begins three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after your birthday month.
  • Special Enrollment Period (SEP): May be available if you retire or lose employer-sponsored coverage.
  • General Enrollment Period (GEP): January 1 through March 31 each year. Late enrollment penalties may apply.
  • Missing enrollment deadlines: May result in delayed coverage and lifetime premium penalties.

If you elect to receive Social Security benefits when you turn 65, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A.

Medicare Resources

Questions About Wright State Benefits?

For guidance about how Medicare may coordinate with Wright State University health benefits, contact Human Resources at HR-Benefits@wright.edu.