These decisions can be complex and depend on your personal circumstances. If you're unsure of what to do, please reach out to your Benefits & Support Services Department. While we can’t tell you what to choose, we’ll make sure you have clear, accurate information to help you make the right decision for yourself. We’re here to help!
When do I enroll in Medicare?
Your first opportunity to enroll in Medicare is during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). This is a 7-month window that begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birth month, and ends 3 months after that month.
If you don’t enroll in Medicare during your IEP, you may have to wait to sign up during either a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) — if you qualify — or the General Enrollment Period (GEP). The GEP runs from January 1 through March 31 each year, with coverage beginning July 1.
Please note: Enrolling during the General Enrollment Period can come with SERIOUS FINANCIAL CONSEQUENCES. So if you are unsure about when or how to enroll, please reach out to your Benefits & Support Services department for guidance.
Should I enroll in Medicare if I have IATSE Plan C Coverage?
Virtually everyone enrolls in Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) during their Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which is a 7-month window that begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birth month, and ends 3 months after that month. That’s because Medicare Part A has no premiums, which means it costs you nothing out-of-pocket to enroll.
If you currently have health coverage from IATSE’s Plan C, the decision of whether or not to enroll in Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance), Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans), or Part D (Drug Coverage) during your Initial Enrollment Period will likely depend on a number of factors. If you’d like to discuss your options, reach out to your Benefits & Support Services Department for guidance.
How do I enroll in Medicare?
You can sign up for Medicare through the Social Security Administration, either online at ssa.gov/medicare, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office.
During your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) — which is a 7-month window that begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birth month, and ends 3 months after that month — you can sign up for Part A only, or for both Part A and Part B. Many USA 829 members with IATSE Plan C health coverage choose to delay Part B enrollment because they’re still working and already have group coverage.
If you already have Part A and want to add Part B later, you can do that online or by calling Social Security.
To enroll in a Part C Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Part D drug plan, you can visit Medicare.gov.
Given the complexity of these decisions and processes, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Benefits & Support Services Department for assistance and support.
What is R-MRP?
R-MRP stands for Retiree-only Medical Reimbursement Program, and it is a health plan offered by the IATSE National Benefit Funds for Plan C participants enrolled in both Medicare Part A & Part B. Participants in the R-MRP plan can use their account balance to get reimbursed for out-of-pocket money spent on “Qualifying Medical Expenses.” (What counts as a Qualifying Medical Expense is determined by the IRS.)
When can I enroll in R-MRP?
If you are a participant in Plan C health coverage, you may enroll in R-MRP once both of the following are true:
➤ You are enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B, AND
➤ You are deemed “Not Active” in IATSE’s Plan C.
You are considered Active in Plan C if:
➤ You have received employer contributions into your CAPP account during the most recent employer contribution period, AND
➤ The balance in your CAPP account is equal to or greater than the cost of one quarter of C-4 single coverage (currently $1,244).
If you do not meet both of these criteria, you are considered “Not Active,” and you may choose to enroll in R-MRP once you are enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.
What happens once I enroll in R-MRP?
When you enroll in R-MRP, any balance currently in your CAPP account will be permanently transferred to a new R-MRP account. This money can then be used to get reimbursed for out-of-pocket money spent on “Qualifying Medical Expenses.” (What counts as a Qualifying Medical Expense is determined by the IRS.)
What happens if I keep working after I enroll in R-MRP?
If you continue to work under USA 829 contracts (or any contracts that contribute to your CAPP account) after enrolling in R-MRP, all employer contributions will go into your CAPP account — not your R-MRP account.
At the end of every contribution quarter (January 31, April 30, July 31, and October 31), the IATSE National Benefit Funds will check the balance in your CAPP account.
If your CAPP account balance is less than the cost of one quarter of C-4 single coverage (currently $1,244), that balance will be automatically transferred into your R-MRP account.
If your CAPP account balance is equal to or greater than $1,244, you will have two options:
a. Enroll in a Plan C coverage option for the next quarter. If you do so, you will not be able to use your R-MRP account during this coverage period.
b. Permanently forfeit your CAPP account balance. This means the funds will not be transferred into your R-MRP account, but you won’t be required to enroll in a Plan C coverage option for the next quarter, and you will retain access to your R-MRP funds.
Is Medicare my primary or secondary coverage?
That’s a very complicated question. However, generally speaking, if you are currently a participant in an IATSE Plan C coverage option (such as C-1, C-2, C-3, or C-4), then your Plan C coverage will be primary and your Medicare coverage will be secondary.
If you’d like to learn more about how Plan C coverage coordinates with Medicare, you can read more about it at CMS.gov, or reach out to Participant Services at the IATSE National Benefit Funds.