Clarification of language involving Medicare in an email sent out on May 18, 2020 and published on the BLOG titled “Negotiations Outcome and Update on Retirees, the District, and CalPERS”
In this document, we recommended that you DO NOT make decisions or changes in your benefits (including Medicare) until you are well informed…
We feel that this statement needs clarification.
Our intent is for retirees not to make any decisions merely at the urging of the District. If you, on your own, decide that Medicare is a good choice for you and your family, then you should not hesitate to enroll in Medicare, especially when you become eligible at the age of 65, otherwise, you will be required to pay a 10% penalty on premiums for each year after that.
The VCCCDRA has also recommended in the past, on various occasions, that spouses of retirees should enroll in Medicare if they are eligible to do so, when they turn 65. The reason for this is that spouses of retirees will not be covered by District paid healthcare benefits once the retiree passes away.
