Turning Age 65

The State of Illinois requires that all insurance plan participants contact the Social Security Administration to apply for Medicare benefits at least three months prior to turning age 65. For the majority of Medicare recipients, Medicare begins the first of the month the person turns age 65. If you have insurance coverage through SURS, you will be required to provide SURS with information regarding your Medicare eligibility and coverage. This applies whether you are Medicare eligible or ineligible. 

 

Requirements

State of Illinois Insurance:  To be eligible for the State of Illinois Group Insurance Plan, you must have at least five years of service credit with a state university or an agency of the State of Illinois.

Click here to view a list of SURS’ state employers.

Medicare Eligible:  If you are enrolled in the State of Illinois Health Insurance Program, you must submit a copy of your Medicare card to SURS in order to avoid an inaccurate calculation of health insurance premiums. This information will be requested by SURS and Central Management Services (CMS) approximately 90 days prior to your 65th birthday.

Medicare Ineligible:  You must submit a notice of ineligibility from Social Security confirming you are not eligible for Medicare in order to avoid an inaccurate calculation of health insurance premiums.  This information will be requested by SURS and CMS approximately 90 days prior to your 65th birthday.  Medicare ineligibility entitles you to enroll or re-enroll in the State of Illinois Insurance Program.  If you wish to enroll, you go to MyBenefits Service Center and enroll. You must submit a copy of your letter of ineligibility to SURS or Central Management Services (CMS). This information must be submitted to SURS or CMS no later than 60 days from the date you become Medicare ineligible.

College Insurance Program (CIP):   To be eligible for CIP, you must have been a full-time employee of any SURS-participating community college and eligible for benefits. 

Medicare Eligible:   If you are enrolled in the College Insurance Program, you must submit a copy of your Medicare card to SURS in order to avoid an inaccurate calculation of health insurance premiums.  This information will be requested by SURS and CMS approximately 90 days prior to your 65th birthday.  If you wish to enroll in CIP at this time, you must submit a completed Benefit Recipient Enrollment form.  To enroll dependents, you must submit a completed Dependent Beneficiary Group Insurance form and supporting documentation.  You must apply within six months of the date you become Medicare eligible. Coverage will be effective the first day of the month in which you become Medicare eligible or the first day of the month in which the enrollment form is received by SURS, whichever is later.

Medicare Ineligible:  You must submit a notice of ineligibility from Social Security confirming you are not eligible for Medicare in order to avoid an inaccurate calculation of health insurance premiums. This information will be requested by SURS and CMS approximately 90 days prior to your 65th birthday.  If you wish to enroll in CIP at this time, you must go to MyBenefits Service Center and complete the necessary forms.  You must apply within 30 days of your 65th birthday.  Coverage will be effective the first day of the month in which you turn 65 or the first day of the month in which the enrollment form is received by SURS, whichever is later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to purchase Medicare Part B when I retire?

SURS does not counsel on Medicare. Please contact Medicare at 800-633-4227 or www.medicare.gov, or the Medicare COB Unit at Central Management Services at 217-782-7007.

Who is the primary insurance carrier at retirement when a member is enrolled in Medicare?

SURS does not counsel on Medicare. Please contact Medicare at 800-633-4227 or www.medicare.gov, or the Medicare COB Unit at Central Management Services at 217-782-7007.