Medicare Corner

Introduction

Medicare is a health insurance program for:

  • People age 65 or older
  • People under age 65 with certain disabilities
  • People of all ages with end-stage renal disease
The AlaskaCare Retiree Health Plan assumes that you and your eligible dependents are enrolled in both Parts A and B of Medicare at age 65. Once enrolled, AlaskaCare coordinates with Medicare to pay most of your medical expenses. Medicare coverage includes different categories: Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), Medicare Part B (medical insurance), and Medicare Part D (prescription drugs).

To learn more about Medicare, as well as more information on how you are covered with Medicare and AlaskaCare, click the link below.

Medicare.gov
The official U.S. Government site for Medicare
Medicare and the AlaskaCare Defined Benefit Retiree Health Plan [PDF]
Medicare FAQs

Employer Group Waiver Program (EGWP)

Effective January 1, 2019, AlaskaCare implemented an enhanced Employer Group Waiver Program (EGWP) for all Medicare-eligible members covered under the AlaskaCare retiree health plan. An Employer Group Waiver Program, known as an EGWP or “Egg Whip,” is a program offered by the federal government that increases federal subsidies for prescription drugs for the retiree health trust. This was an administrative change to how pharmacy benefits were previously managed for Medicare-eligible retirees and dependents. The pharmacy benefit for AlaskaCare retirees remains the same.

EGWP FAQs

Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA)

Certain high-income retirees are required to pay an extra premium surcharge, known as an Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, or IRMAA.

To learn more about this premium surcharge, continue reading here.

Contact Information

  • State Medicare Information Office

    One-on-one counseling to Medicare beneficiaries and their families
    Seminars for those new to Medicare and other resources

  • In Anchorage:
    (907) 269-3680
     550 W 7th Ave., Suite 1230
    Anchorage, AK 99501

  • Toll–free within Alaska:
    (800) 478-6065
    TTY: (800) 770-8973
    hss.medicare@alaska.gov

  • Medicare.gov

  • Need to Contact Social Security?
    (800) 772-1213
    Mon-Fri, 7 a.m.- 7 p.m. in all time zones.


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