1. a) Members and Dependents must contact the Social Security Administration to apply for Medicare benefits at least three months prior to turning age 65.

   1. 1) Members and Dependents who are determined by the Social Security Administration to be eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A must accept the Medicare Part A coverage and submit a copy of the Medicare identification card to the Agency upon receipt.
   2. 2) Members and Dependents who are determined by the Social Security Administration to not be eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A will not be required to enroll in Medicare Part A coverage. Such members must provide a written statement of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration to the Agency.
2. b) Actively working Employees will not be required to enroll in Medicare Part B coverage until such time as the Employee retires or otherwise loses active employment status.
3. c) Members and Dependents who fail to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B are responsible for the portion of healthcare costs that would have been covered by Medicare.
4. d) Failure to enroll or remain enrolled in Medicare will result in a reduction of eligible benefit payments when Medicare is determined to be the primary payor.
5. e) When any Member or Dependent becomes Medicare eligible, they must enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B coverage and the TRAIL Program, regardless of the Medicare eligibility status of any other family or household member covered under the State Employee Group Health Insurance Program.

(Source: Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 9547, effective June 20, 2024)