Medicare Part B Enrollment Requirement for Retired or Disabled Participants or Spouses

As of July 1, 2004, the Trustees now require all retired or disabled participants or spouses to enroll in Part B of Medicare immediately upon becoming eligible for Medicare.  Retired participants or spouses that are covered by Medicare now, but have not enrolled in Part B of Medicare yet, will be required to enroll in Medicare Part B during a general enrollment period.  The general enrollment period for Medicare Part B began January 1, 2005 and continues through March 31, 2005, with Part B coverage becoming effective July 1, 2005. Be certain to confirm with Medicare, during enrollment, that you were covered under St. Paul Electrical Construction Medical Reimbursement Plan because you may be able to avoid a penalty on the Part B premium due to late enrollment.

Proof of Part A and Part B Medicare enrollment will be required of all retired participants, spouses and disabled retired participants and spouses no later than July 1, 2005.  This proof of enrollment must be supplied to the Plan office.

Following this enrollment into Medicare Part B, the Trustees will require each eligible individual to enroll in the Medica Prime Solution Plan now being offered to all St. Paul Electrical Workers that are eligible for Medicare. There will be a special meeting held in early June 2005 to present information on benefit coverage under Prime Solution and to assist in completing the application for coverage. Those individuals affected by this change that will need to attend this seminar will be contacted directly by the Plan office shortly before the special meeting.

For more information on Medicare eligibility and enrollment go to www.medicare.gov or  call  1-800-MEDICARE. For information on your medical coverage contact the plan office.