If you have been a continuous USFHP member since Sept. 30, 2012:

You are eligible to stay in the plan for life. You don’t have to do a thing – your plan will continue without interruption.

 

If you joined the plan on Oct. 1, 2012, or after:

When you turn 65, your plan enrollment will automatically discontinue. You will instead have the opportunity to enroll in TRICARE for Life, which requires members to enroll in Medicare.

We understand — turning 65 means lots of questions

So we’ve provided simple answers to the common questions our members often ask as they are turning 65.

Should I enroll in Medicare?

We strongly encourage members to enroll in Medicare Part B as soon as they are eligible. If you don’t and decide to enroll later (if you move to a state or area that does not offer USFHP, for example), you may incur late-enrollment penalties and waiting periods.

When should I sign up for Medicare?

To avoid penalties, you should sign up as soon as you are eligible, several months before your 65th birthday. Find out when and how to sign up at www.medicare.gov.

What happens if I don’t enroll in Medicare Part B?

As noted above, you may incur penalties and waiting periods if you don’t enroll as soon as you’re eligible. Plus, if you do not enroll, you will have to continue to pay enrollment fees and all copays for USFHP. These fees are set by the Department of Defense, and may increase from time to time.

Will anything change with my USFHP coverage if I enroll in Medicare?

If you enroll in Medicare Part B, you’ll no longer have to pay enrollment fees or copays (except for prescriptions) for USFHP. Otherwise, your coverage remains the same: you’ll keep the same locations, doctors, and treatments with no change, and continue to enjoy the exclusive extra benefits provided by Johns Hopkins. Copay Chart for Members with Medicare Part B

Which coverage do I use: USFHP or Medicare?

If you enroll in Medicare, USFHP will still be your primary insurer and health care provider. You must receive all services through USFHP; you cannot use your Medicare coverage for any services covered by USFHP. A few services not covered by USFHP—such as chiropractic care and end-stage renal disease treatment—will be covered by Medicare.

What about my prescriptions? Do I get those through Medicare or keep getting them through the Plan?

You will continue to receive your prescriptions through USFHP for the usual low copay.

I’ve heard about Medicare Supplement Plans and Medicare Advantage Plans. Does this fall into one of those categories?

No, your USFHP coverage is different than these Medicare alternatives. Unless a service is not covered by USFHP, you will not use your Medicare coverage.