Election of Medicare Coverage - PA 94-0415

I. Purpose

Recently, the governor signed Public Act 94-0415 into law. This act allows employees, who have been continuously employed since March 31, 1986, to make a one-time irrevocable individual election to participate in Medicare. Employees hired after April 1, 1986, unless otherwise exempt, are already contributing to Medicare. The law requires the State Universities Retirement System (SURS) to conduct a referendum to allow employees the opportunity to make the Medicare election.

II. Policy

If an individual elects to participate in the federal Medicare program, it is anticipated that the deductions will begin July 1, 2006. Human Resource Services has provided the SURS with a list of eligible employees. SURS will use this list to send the Medicare election information to each employee. Upon receipt, the form will need to be completed and must be returned directly to the SURS. As new information is received regarding this Public Act, Human Resource Services will continue to update the campus.