Federal Employee Health Benefits and Medicare Eligibility

If you have Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB), you may be eligible for Medicare when you turn age 65. You can have both FEHB and Medicare coverage at the same time. 

How do FEHB and Medicare work together? 

If you qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A, you can enroll even if you’re still working. Part A helps pay for inpatient care and works alongside your FEHB coverage. 

If you enroll in Medicare Part B, you may get extra benefits that your federal employee health benefits plan doesn’t cover. This includes services like outpatient care and doctor visits. 

Before or when you become eligible for Medicare, you have a one-time chance to change your employee health benefits (FEHB) plan. You can also choose to suspend FEHB and use Medicare only. Be sure to provide this change in writing to your retirement system. This allows you to re-enroll in FEHB later if your Medicare coverage ends. 

Choosing between FEHB and Medicare: What to consider 

Having both Medicare and FEHB may reduce your out-of-pocket costs. But your decision may depend on: 

• Whether you are still working or retired 
• How much you pay for health insurance each month
• The coverage and services you need
• Whether Medicare or FEHB will be your primary payer

Comparing your health care options can help you avoid a higher cost and make the best choice for your needs.

Medicare coverage options for federal employees 

Once you’re enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, you can choose one of the following: 

• A Medigap policy (also known as a Medicare Supplement plan) to help pay for covered services not paid by Original Medicare. 
• A Medicare Advantage plan. These plans bundle Medicare Parts A and B and often include Part D prescription drug coverage and extra benefits like dental, vision and hearing. 

Need help with FEHB and Medicare? 

Deciding between FEHB coverage and enrolling in Medicare can be confusing. You can get help from your retirement system or contact Banner Health to learn more. 

Learn about Banner Health’s Medicare Advantage plans.

Get answers and support by calling 833-516-1007 (TTY 711) to speak with a licensed sales agent. 

Call hours: 

• October 1 – March 31: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week 
• April 1 – September 30: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday