benefits
Medicare Support
Be confident in your choices when eligible for Medicare by getting the right guidance from the start. Medicare is confusing, which is why we’ve partnered with SmartConnect and Fidelity to provide FREE access to licensed Medicare representatives. They’ll provide clear explanations and step-by-step support making it easier to understand your options, compare plans, and avoid costly mistakes and lifetime penalties- so you can move forward knowing your healthcare needs are fully protected.
Turning 65 is a Big Deal
It means you’re eligible for Medicare, even if you choose to keep working after your birthday. As you approach this milestone, it’s important to review your healthcare needs and decide whether staying on employer coverage or switching to a Medicare plan makes the most sense. Taking the right steps when first becoming eligible—like enrolling on time or coordinating with your employer plan— avoids lifetime penalties and prevents disruption of group coverage if you decide to stay on your current plan.
SmartConnect is available to all employees and their family members, providing year-round access to free Medicare resources, personalized guidance, and enrollment services. SmartConnect makes the transition to Medicare easier than ever by offering free Medicare resources and one-on-one consultations with licensed insurance agents. Learn More.
- Learn about Medicare from a trusted industry professional.
- Understand what affects your health care costs and coverage options.
- Compare your current health coverage (whether it’s employer coverage or another plan) to multiple Medicare options.
- If you find a Medicare plan that meets your needs, SmartConnect helps you enroll.
- Know what steps you need to take when choosing to stay on your employer’s group insurance.
Fidelity Medicare Services offers expert guidance and personalized support to employees nearing retirement and their Medicare-eligible loved ones. From understanding coverage options and enrollment timelines to avoiding late penalties, Fidelity simplifies the process. Whether by phone or online, you receive tailored education, easy enrollment help, and year-over-year support—so you can make confident decisions and get the coverage that fits your life.
Log in with your Fidelity 401(K) account
or call 833-886-0033
What is Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance for people 65 or older, some younger people with disabilities and end state renal disease. There are different parts of Medicare to cover specific services.
Parts A & B are provided by the federal government and begin automatically if you take social security benefits upon turning 65. Medicare A & B don’t cover most prescriptions, dental care, eye exams and more. Even if a service is covered with A & B, you still have to pay deductibles and co-insurance with no annual limit on those costs. Medicare Parts C & D is additional covered offered by private insurers to help pay for the costs of healthcare not covered by A & B – even deductibles and co-insurance.
Enrollment
You may enroll during your initial enrollment period – turning 65 and during annual open enrollment in October.
If you don’t enroll during initial enrollment and do not notify Medicare of alternative coverage arrangements (such as an employer plan), you will have to pay a lifetime late enrollment penalty when you do eventualy enroll. Your monthly premium increases 10% for each 12 month period you were eligible for Part B, but didn’t sign up or opt out.
Know your Medicare Alphabet
Did you know...
People in retirement often find that their healthcare needs, and expenses, increase as they age. Additionally, they are surprised to learn that Medicare simply does not cover everything. For these reasons, if your employer health plan offers a Health Savings Account (HSA), it can be a smart way to set aside tax-advantaged money to pay medical expenses that Medicare will not cover.
Related Content
Looking for assistance with your healthcare? We're here for you.
From guidance in choosing the best options for you, what resources are available to understanding how the plans work. The information you need is at your fingertips.
Your HR Team
Melissa Lizotte
Cameron Hum
Cheryl Boccadoro
Lisa McCann
Dana Maletzke
Janice Rogers
Nancy Murray
Melissa Lizotte
Meaghan Conway Jurczak
Money Saving Tips
To stretch your health care dollars, remember to:
Avoid Tax Penalties – If you are deferring enrollment in medical because you are on an employer sponsored plan, notify social security and Medicare during your enrollment period.
Research – Medicare is complicated. Make sure you understand your options and what is best for your situation. Contacting Medicare Transition Services can save you a lot of time and stress.
Medicare Supplement Plan – May be a better alternative to a Medicare Advantage plan if you want help paying for a portion of costs not covered by Medicare A & B, even deductibles and co-insurance and you want to keep out-of-pocket costs to a minimum.