Medicare FAQs
Medicare is a federal health care plan available to older adults age 65 or older and those with disabilities or permanent kidney failure. In it’s simplest form, Medicare coverage is made up of different parts – Medicare Parts A, B, C and DReceiving your Medicare benefits is not automatic. The rules are different for employees and retirees; so to be sure you enroll properly, avoid Medicare premium penalties and understand how Medicare works with your UA-sponsored medical plan, it’s important to visit your local Social Security office to discuss your coverage options.
Review coverage options, drug cost assistance, and find providers
24/7/365 phone and virtual support from Medicare counselors
Free counseling about Medicare & Social Security from State Health Insurance Programs
Other Medicare-Related Resources:
- Visit Getting Started with Medicare for plan information, costs, and enrollment.
- West Alabama Area Agency on Aging provides Medicare Counseling services as part of the State Health Insurance & Assistance Program.
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield outlines Medicare basics and available supplemental plans online.
COBRA Continuation Coverage FAQs
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) gives employees and their families who lose their medical, dental or vision coverage the right to choose to continue these group health benefits provided by The University of Alabama for limited periods of time due to certain “qualifying events” including voluntary or involuntary job loss, reduction in hours worked, transition between jobs, death, divorce, and other life events. After a qualifying event, COBRA coverage may be offered to each person who is a “qualified beneficiary.” You, your spouse, and/or your dependent children may become qualified beneficiaries if you lose coverage due to a qualifying event.
Inspira Financial (previously PayFlex) administers the COBRA benefit for The University of Alabama. Employees and/or eligible dependents will receive a letter mailed to their home address on file after experiencing a qualifying event. COBRA coverage must be accepted within 60 days from the date of the qualifying event. By law, COBRA benefits are required to be the same as those made available to similarly-situated active employees. If UA changes the plan coverage, coverage will also change for you. Qualified employees and/or dependents will be required to pay premiums for COBRA coverage directly to Inspira. Your premiums will equal the full cost of the coverage plus a two percent administrative fee (102%) and costs may change overtime.
Form 1095-C FAQs
Just like a W-2, employees will receive the Form 1095-C each year and will need it to complete their taxes. Do not throw it away! Some households will receive multiple Forms 1095-C if they were covered under different plans or changed plans during the year. Employees should receive Form 1095-C in the mail by mid-February each year.
Healthcare Exchange Notice FAQs
NOTICE: New Health Insurance Marketplace Coverage Options and Your Health Coverage
The official term when talking about Americans using a health insurance exchange is “health insurance marketplace.” Healthcare.gov is the marketplace which offers government-regulated, standardized plans and is designed to be the main venue for individuals and small business owners to find and obtain affordable healthcare coverage. Employees with additional questions about the marketplace can reference the Quick Start Guide on Healthcare.gov.