Medicare is the national health insurance program for individuals over 65 or those younger than 65 who are disabled. Depending on your retirement plan and personal circumstances, you may have additional healthcare options or you may be required to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B at age 65.
Optional Versus Mandatory Enrollment
Tier 1 members have the option to enroll in Medicare, if eligible. Enrolling in Medicare and a LACERA-administered Medicare healthcare plan may provide cost savings and enhanced coverage.
Tier 2 members, survivors, and eligible dependents are required, when eligible, to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B and a LACERA-administered MAPD or Medicare Supplement plan.
Why Enroll?
As a LACERA member, enrolling in Medicare allows you to sign up for a LACERA-administered Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) HMO plan or Medicare supplement plan (see Healthcare Plans) with several potential advantages:
- Fewer or no out-of-pocket expenses; out-of-pocket expenses capped
- No lifetime benefit maximum, or maximum reached at slower pace
- Lower plan premiums
- Reimbursement of Part B premiums by the County
The accompanying guides and charts in Related Documents on this page can also help you decide which healthcare plan is right for you.
Dual coverage note: To prevent overpayment for healthcare services, if you or your eligible dependent is covered by more than one health plan—such as Medicare and a LACERA-administered health plan—Medicare is always primary, and your LACERA-administered Medicare plan coverage is secondary.
When to Enroll
You should sign up for Medicare as soon as you are eligible, or you will be subject to late enrollment penalties. See the Eligibility and Enrollment section for more details or contact us.