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CalPERS outlines retiree health options, Medicare coordination and open‑enrollment timing
Summary
CalPERS presented eligibility rules for retiree health plans, dependent verification requirements, open‑enrollment timing, and how CalPERS coordinates Medicare parts and Part B reimbursements for eligible state and CSU retirees.
Courtney Klausner, representing CalPERS’ Sacramento Regional Office, walked through how retiree health benefits are determined and how Medicare coordinates with CalPERS plans. "Medicare is made up of 4 parts, each covering different aspects of health care," Klausner said, and she summarized Parts A, B, C and D and the implications for CalPERS members.
Klausner emphasized that retiree health eligibility depends on whether a member’s former employer contracts with CalPERS, the retiree’s length of service, location and plan choice. For public agency and school retirees, health benefits may be administered through the employer, and if an employer stops contracting with CalPERS, the retiree’s CalPERS health coverage would end; the retiree should contact their former employer for options.
On Medicare coordination, Klausner said that members who are eligible and already enrolled in a CalPERS Medicare health plan do not need to enroll separately in Medicare Part D through the Social Security Administration; enrolling in an outside Part D plan could risk CalPERS coverage. She also described three CalPERS Medicare plan types (Medicare Advantage PPO, Medicare HMO/managed care, and a PPO supplement to Medicare) and noted optional dental and vision offerings.
Klausner explained dependent eligibility rules (spouse/domestic partner, children up to age 26, certified disabled dependents) and the triennial dependent verification process, with notices sent about 90 and 60 days before the retiree’s birth month. She urged members to use myCalPERS to compare plans, check premium costs and verify provider networks, and reminded attendees that open enrollment occurs each fall (mid‑September through October) with changes effective Jan. 1.
For eligible state and California State University retirees, Klausner said CalPERS automatically adds Medicare Part B reimbursements to the pension check and lists the reimbursement on the retirement check; higher reimbursements may be possible if IRMAA (income‑related monthly adjustment amount) applies. Klausner directed attendees to the CalPERS website and myCalPERS for plan details and the health plan zip‑code locator.
