Retirement

You are always 100% vested in your own contributions and earnings. You become vested in employer matching contributions based upon years of service (1,000 hours each year).

Medicare is confusing and complicated. ALEX makes it simple! Try ALEX Medicare to get help with the whole Medicare process, whether you’re ready to sign up now or just looking to understand your options for the future. ALEX Medicare can help you learn about your Medicare eligibility and enrollment dates, how Medicare works with your existing insurance, and your Medicare coverage options and costs.

Get started now.

In order to apply for Medicare in a Special Enrollment Period, you must have or had group health plan coverage within the last 8 months through your or your spouse’s current employment.

CMS-L564: Request for Employment Information

A  CMS-L564 Form  is used for proof of group health care coverage based on current employment. This information is needed to process your Medicare enrollment application.

What to Do with the Form

• Fill out Section A. Do not fill out any other sections on the form.
• Scroll to the bottom of the form and click the “Download and print to PDF” button.
• Submit the Form to the Benefits department by either:
  • Emailing totalbenefits@unitedtexas.com: Include a PDF of the form.
  • Fax your form to (806)791-6341: Include a copy of the form and a cover sheet that includes your name, team member number, contact information, and instructions on how to return the form to you (valid email or mailing address must be provided).

Next Steps

Once Albertsons has completed Section B and returned the form to you, include the completed form with your Application for Enrollment in Medicare (CMS-40B). Send both together to your local Social Security office. Find your local office here:  www.ssa.gov.

Q: What is Medicare?

A: Medicare is health insurance offered through the government for people age 65 or older. Some people may be eligible for Medicare earlier if they have a disability or certain medical condition.

Q: How does Medicare work?

A: Medicare has several different parts.

Medicare Part A covers hospital care, including skilled nursing facilities, hospice, and home care.

Medicare Part B covers doctor care, including lab tests, specialists, and outpatient hospital care.

Medicare Part C, often known as Medicare Advantage, is another way to get Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. Medicare Advantage plans are run by approved private companies that must follow rules set by Medicare.

Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs.

Medicare Parts A, B, and D (or a Medicare Advantage plan and Part D) work together to provide you with the health coverage you need.

Q: When can I sign up for Medicare?

A: Generally, you are eligible for Medicare when you turn 65, unless you have a disability or specific health condition. You can sign up for Medicare starting during your initial enrollment period, which is 7 months, starting 3 months before you turn 65.

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

Q: Do I have to sign up for Medicare as soon as I'm eligible?

A: You may have heard that if you do not sign up for Medicare during your initial enrollment period, you will be subject to a late enrollment penalty fee. This is true, but only if you do not have other health coverage that is similar in value to Medicare, such as an employer-sponsored health plan like the health coverage available through Albertsons Companies. If you are over age 65 and still have coverage through Albertsons or a spouse’s employer, you can delay your enrollment in Medicare until your other coverage ends.

Q: How do I sign up for Medicare?

A: Visit  Medicare.gov  and answer a few questions to get started signing up for Medicare.

Q: Where can I get more information?

A: The best place to start is  www.medicare.gov  or  https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare. Another great option is to take advantage of  ALEX Medicare  – a resource provided to you by Albertsons that can walk you through the whole Medicare process.