Turning 65 is a milestone many of us look forward to. It might mean a chance to retire or to use a senior discount. For most people, turning 65 also means you can sign up for Medicare. And if you have a health insurance plan through Access Health CT, there are a few things you need to know, and do, before you turn 65.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program which provides hospital and medical insurance. The health plans you enroll in through Access Health CT cannot add to or replace Medicare.
If you turn 65 in the middle of a plan year, you can keep your health insurance plan through Access Health CT, but you can’t continue to receive financial help, like any Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) or Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) you receive, after your birthday. Financial help lowers your monthly payment (premium) or what you pay when you use your plan (like deductibles, copays or coinsurance). If you continue to receive financial help while you are eligible for Medicare, you may have to pay some or all of that help back to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) when you file your federal income tax return.
We recommend you make an action plan BEFORE your 65th birthday to avoid any issues in the switch to Medicare:
- Check your eligibility for Medicare. The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and Medicare.gov are a great resource. You can also contact the Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services or call CHOICES at 1-800-994-9422 for help.
- Update your Access Health CT application. After you enroll in Medicare, and before your 65th birthday, contact Access Health CT to update your application. We can help you end your health plan and make sure you aren’t getting any financial help that you shouldn’t receive.
- Make a plan for your household. If there are other members of your household on your health plan through Access Health CT, we can help them keep their coverage. Certified Brokers are also available to go over your choices and provide free expert help to navigate this coverage change.
Don’t forget about your smile
You can have a dental insurance plan through Access Health CT even while you have Medicare. We can help you find a Stand-Alone Dental Plan, which can provide you dental coverage you may not have with Medicare.
We’ll send you a reminder about one month before your 65th birthday with more information about what you need to do. If you need help, we’re always available and help is always free.
- Visit us Online: AccessHealthCT.com/get-help
- Chat with Us: Click the “Live Chat” icon on any page at AccessHealthCT.com
- Call us at 1-855-805-4325. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use the TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or contact us at 1-855-805-4325 with a relay operator. Check our website for special hours and holidays. We speak more than 100 languages.
- Find a Certified Broker near you who can recommend coverage that is right for your needs and budget.
- Schedule an appointment with an Enrollment Specialist for free one-on-one enrollment assistance.
