when to start Part D in this case

[russelltw]

Client is 70, just got B started for 12/1/18. Found out company will cover client/spouse for 6 months after retirement in Dec. Client is getting info on the details of plan and costs.

If client wants to start Part D in this case, client would need to start PDP within two months of 12/1/18, correct? It would trigger off the B effective date since client is past 65. It is not the start 3,1,3 window for someone turning 65.

Or would the creditable coverage from group allow client/spouse to use the 6 months of group coverage and pick up Part D afterwards.

Sorry, brain dead right now, but want to make sure I am correct on this.

 

[LostDollar]

Or would the creditable coverage from group allow client/spouse to use the 6 months of group coverage and pick up Part D afterwards.

Yes

(But if it is a large group plan and they are going to take retirement coverage for just 6 months, They might have been better off to defer Part B enrollment for a few months in regard to MedSupp IEP.)

 

[bluediamond]

Not all group coverage has creditable coverage for drugs.

 

[russelltw]

Agree, client is looking into that for me. HSA coverage is not creditable for Part D, which is usually where I see an issue. Most summary of benefit pages I have seen on group coverage will state that it is creditable if it is.

The more I think about it, if group is creditable then client could use the extra 6 months of group they get to extend PDP enrollment.

It's been a long AEP.

 

[kswartz]

To be creditable, the group coverage must be based on active employment. If your client is retired, the coverage isn’t creditable.

 

[LostDollar]

To be creditable, the group coverage must be based on active employment. If your client is retired, the coverage isn’t creditable.

Keep in mind distinctions between Part B and Part D eligibility.

 

[TwoCents]

Keep in mind distinctions between Part B and Part D eligibility.

Good point. For example VA drug coverage is creditable for Part D so no LEP consequence there, but for Part B enrollment it's not creditable (for whatever stupid reason) so a person could face a Part B LEP. Fun times!