What the OEBB rule says
The Oregon Educators Benefit Board (OEBB), part of the Oregon Health Authority, covers employees and early retirees of school districts, education service districts, community colleges and other participating employers. Its early retiree rule, OAR 111-050-0015, says:
- An early retiree who becomes Medicare eligible may not continue OEBB medical or vision, unless the Medicare eligibility is because of end-stage renal disease.
- OEBB benefits end the last day of the month before the Medicare effective date.
- You must report Medicare eligibility within 31 days, or OEBB may rescind coverage back to that date.
- Dental may continue if your employer's policy or bargaining agreement allows it.
- Dependents who are not Medicare eligible may keep coverage until they lose eligibility.
The same applies if you get Medicare before 65 through disability: OEBB asks you to notify your employer as soon as possible.
Where Medicare-eligible retirees go next
OEBB tells retirees to ask their employer's HR or payroll office about coverage options. Common paths:
- PERS Health Insurance Program (PHIP), if you're a PERS retiree. You must enroll within 90 days of first becoming Medicare eligible and have Parts A and B. See What is PHIP?
- A district retiree plan, if your employer or bargaining agreement offers one. Ask how it works with Medicare; most retiree plans expect you to have Part B.
- Medigap plus Part D, or Medicare Advantage, bought on your own. Oregon's six-month Medigap open enrollment begins the month your Part B starts.
Steps before OEBB ends
- Sign up for Medicare. You can apply up to three months before you're eligible at SSA.gov or 1-800-772-1213. OEBB warns that late enrollment may bring penalties.
- Report Medicare to OEBB within 31 days. Your employer handles the change.
- Keep dental if you can. Ask whether your employer lets Medicare-eligible retirees keep OEBB dental.
- Choose your Medicare coverage. Compare PHIP, any district plan, Medigap and Medicare Advantage; you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent.
More in our OEBB and Medicare guide.
Related questions
What happens to my PEBB coverage at 65?
The state employee version.
How does the PERS RHIA subsidy work?
A monthly subsidy for PHIP Medicare plans.
Do I need Part B if I have retiree coverage?
Why retiree plans don't delay Part B.
Sources
- OAR 111-050-0015 — OEBB early retiree eligibility and Medicare
- Oregon Health Authority — OEBB Retiree Guide
- PERS Health Insurance Program — Enrollment opportunities
- Medicare.gov — Working past 65
More questions in this guide
- Do I need Medicare Part B if I have retiree health coverage in Oregon?
- How does the PERS RHIA subsidy work with Medicare?
- What happens to my PEBB coverage when I turn 65?
- What is the PERS Health Insurance Program (PHIP) for Medicare retirees?
Part of the guide: PEBB retirees and Medicare in Oregon · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Can my spouse keep OEBB after I go on Medicare?
Yes. Enrolled dependents who aren't Medicare eligible can keep OEBB medical, dental and vision until they lose eligibility or become Medicare eligible. OEBB says they must confirm within 60 days after you become Medicare eligible.
What if I don't tell OEBB I have Medicare?
OEBB's rule requires you to report Medicare eligibility within 31 days. If you don't, OEBB may cancel your coverage back to the date it should have ended.
Can I use COBRA instead of Medicare?
COBRA doesn't replace Medicare. Medicare.gov says COBRA doesn't extend your time to sign up for Medicare, and once you have Medicare, COBRA pays after Medicare.
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