Search
Close this search box.

Enhance your retirement healthcare benefits with APWU Health Plan and Medicare

Explore how APWU Health Plan works with Medicare

APWU Health Plan and Medicare

All eligible postal and federal retirees can enroll

Hospital coverage

Medicare Part A helps pay for inpatient care you get in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and hospices.

Medicare Part A + APWU Health Plan

When you sign up for Medicare, you’re automatically enrolled in Part A. Most postal and federal employees and retirees pay no premiums for Part A.

If you or your spouse are employed and have APWU Health Plan, the Plan is your primary coverage and Medicare is secondary. If both you and your spouse are retired, Medicare is your primary coverage and APWU Health Plan is secondary.

PSHB health plans
High Option Consumer Driven Option
Eligible Eligible
FEHB health plans
High Option Consumer Driven Option
Eligible Eligible

Medical coverage

Medicare Part B helps pay for outpatient care, including preventive services, doctor visits, screenings, mental health, and medical equipment.

Medicare Part B + APWU Health Plan

Your premium is deducted from your Social Security check each month, and you must meet a deductible. You’ll also need to pay a percentage for most doctor services, usually 20%.

Medicare pays first, and APWU Health Plan pays second. The High Option covers most of your medical expenses 100%, while with the Consumer Driven Option, you can use your Personal Care Account to pay the Part B premium, deductible, and coinsurance.

PSHB health plans
High Option Consumer Driven Option
Eligible Eligible Use PCA to cover Part B premium
FEHB health plans
High Option Consumer Driven Option
Eligible Eligible

Medicare Advantage

APWU Health Plan is approved by Medicare to maximize member benefits with our Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage), offering additional benefits and coverage for Medicare Part D, vision, hearing, dental care, and many health management programs.

Medicare Advantage + APWU Health Plan

When combining APWU Health Plan with our Medicare Advantage plan, you have access to all the benefits of Medicare Parts A, B, and D, lowering your out-of-pocket costs for medical, hospital, and prescription services.

PSHB health plans
High Option Consumer Driven Option
Eligible + $100 monthly Part B subsidiary Not Eligible
FEHB health plans
High Option Consumer Driven Option
Eligible + $100 monthly Part B subsidiary Not Eligible

Medicare PDP

APWU Health Plan is approved by Medicare to maximize member prescription benefits with our Medicare Part D prescription drug program (PDP), helping lower the cost of prescription medications.

Medicare PDP + APWU Health Plan

Combining an eligible APWU Health Plan with our Medicare PDP can enhance your coverage by reducing out-of-pocket costs for prescription medications and providing a broader range of drug options.

PSHB health plans
High Option Consumer Driven Option
Eligible Required if not enrolled in Medicare Advantage (Part C) Eligible Required if not enrolled in Medicare Advantage (Part C)
FEHB health plans
High Option Consumer Driven Option
Eligible Not Eligible

Medicare eligibility and enrollment

Who is eligible for Medicare?

To get Medicare, you must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident who has lived in the country for at least five consecutive years.

Medicare is for:

  • People 65 years of age and older
  • Some people with eligible disabilities under age 65
  • People with end-stage renal disease

When is it time to enroll in Medicare?

You can enroll in Medicare at specific times. The Initial Enrollment Period is a seven-month period that starts three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after the month you turn 65.

Initial Enrollment Period
3 Months Before Your Birthday Month 3 Months After

After you enroll, you can change your coverage during Medicare Open Enrollment, October 15 – December 7.

Medicare Open Enrollment

To explore your enrollment options and access helpful resources, visit Medicare.gov.

How to enroll

Ready to get started with Medicare? Contact the Social Security Administration to sign up for Medicare benefits. Monday Friday, 8 am 7 pm.

Explore the differences between Medicare Parts A and B (Original Medicare) and Medicare Advantage.

Need help finding a health plan that’s right for you?

Download and access Health Plan resources