Railroad Medicare: What You Need to Know

Nearly all of us know what Medicare is, but how much do you know about Railroad Medicare?

When Medicare was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in 1965, coverage was available for qualified Social Security and railroad retirement beneficiaries.

Not long after, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) collaborated with Medicare to create a dedicated Part B claims program specifically focused on railroad beneficiaries, including its own call center.

40 years after the first Railroad Medicare claims were processed, the program continues to serve our retired rail members across the country.

Who Qualifies for Railroad Medicare

The following groups are eligible for Railroad Medicare…

• Railroad retirement beneficiaries who are 65 or older
• Individuals of any age with end-stage renal disease (receiving maintenance dialysis or a kidney transplant)
• Disabled beneficiaries under age 65 who have received RRB disability benefits for 24 months
• Individuals with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) under age 65, who receive Medicare beginning the first month that they receive disability benefits

Family members of railroad retirement annuitants may qualify for Railroad Medicare in certain situations.

Please be aware: even though some railroad employees qualify for full RRB retirement at age 60, Medicare eligibility still begins at age 65.

If you are already receiving railroad retirement or Social Security benefits, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. If you’re not receiving benefits, set a reminder to contact the RRB a few months before your 65th birthday, even if you’re not planning to retire.

A late enrollment penalty may apply if you choose to decline Part B, unless you have qualifying coverage through your current employer, your spouse’s employer, or a retiree plan.

What’s Covered by Railroad Medicare?

Coverage and provider requirements under Railroad Medicare Part B are the same as “regular” Medicare Part B.

This includes medically necessary and preventive services from physicians and non-physicians, including but not limited to nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and clinic psychologists. Ambulance services and diagnostic testing facilities also bill Part B.

Whether you’re a new hire or are getting close to retirement, learn more about how to take advantage of these benefits.  ►

You’ve worked hard and paid into programs designed to help you after you retire…be sure to use them!