Medicare for Postal Service retirees
Medicare Advantage for High Option retirees
The UnitedHealthcare® Medicare Advantage (PPO) for APWU Health Plan enhances your PSHB Program coverage by reducing or eliminating cost-sharing for services. To qualify for this program, you must be retired and enrolled in the High Option and in Medicare Parts A and B.
Medicare Part D prescription drug program (PDP)
APWU Health Plan and Medicare
All eligible postal and federal retirees can enroll.
Hospital coverage
Medicare Part A helps pay for inpatient care you get in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and hospices.
Medicare Part A + APWU Health Plan
When you sign up for Medicare, you’re automatically enrolled in Part A. Most postal and federal employees and retirees pay no premiums for Part A.
If you or your spouse are employed and have APWU Health Plan, the Plan is your primary coverage and Medicare is secondary. If both you and your spouse are retired, Medicare is your primary coverage and APWU Health Plan is secondary.
| PSHB health plans | |
|---|---|
| High Option | Consumer Driven Option |
| Eligible | Eligible |
Medical coverage
Medicare Part B helps pay for outpatient care, including preventive services, doctor visits, screenings, mental health, and medical equipment.
Medicare Part B + APWU Health Plan
Your premium is deducted from your Social Security check each month, and you must meet a deductible. You’ll also need to pay a percentage for most doctor services, usually 20%.
Medicare pays first, and APWU Health Plan pays second. The High Option covers most of your medical expenses 100%, while with the Consumer Driven Option, you can use your Personal Care Account to pay the Part B premium, deductible, and coinsurance.
| PSHB health plans | |
|---|---|
| High Option | Consumer Driven Option |
| Eligible | Eligible Use PCA to cover Part B premium |
Medicare Advantage
APWU Health Plan is approved by Medicare to maximize member benefits with our Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage), offering additional benefits and coverage for Medicare Part D, vision, hearing, dental care, and many health management programs.
Medicare Advantage + APWU Health Plan
When combining APWU Health Plan with our Medicare Advantage plan, you have access to all the benefits of Medicare Parts A, B, and D, lowering your out-of-pocket costs for medical, hospital, and prescription services.
| PSHB health plans | |
|---|---|
| High Option | Consumer Driven Option |
| Eligible + $100 monthly Part B subsidiary | Not Eligible |
Medicare PDP
APWU Health Plan is approved by Medicare to maximize member prescription benefits with our Medicare Part D prescription drug program (PDP), helping lower the cost of prescription medications.
Medicare PDP + APWU Health Plan
Combining an eligible APWU Health Plan with our Medicare PDP can enhance your coverage by reducing out-of-pocket costs for prescription medications and providing a broader range of drug options.
| PSHB health plans | |
|---|---|
| High Option | Consumer Driven Option |
| Eligible Required if not enrolled in Medicare Advantage (Part C) | Eligible Required if not enrolled in Medicare Advantage (Part C) |
Medicare eligibility and enrollment
Who is eligible for Medicare?
To get Medicare, you must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident who has lived in the country for at least five consecutive years.
Medicare is for:
- People 65 years of age and older
- Some people with eligible disabilities under age 65
- People with end-stage renal disease
When is it time to enroll in Medicare?
You can enroll in Medicare at specific times. The Initial Enrollment Period is a seven-month period that starts three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after the month you turn 65.
After you enroll, you can change your coverage during Medicare Open Enrollment, October 15 – December 7.
To explore your enrollment options and access helpful resources, visit Medicare.gov.
How to enroll
Ready to get started with Medicare ? Contact the Social Security Administration to sign up for Medicare benefits. Monday – Friday, 8 am – 7 pm.
New Medicare requirements for Postal Service retirees
The PSHB Program includes a key change for Medicare-eligible USPS retirees. If you retire and become eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2025, you and your Medicare-eligible family members must enroll in Medicare Part B to be eligible for PSHB coverage, unless you qualify for an exception.
Find answers to your questions about Medicare coverage under the PSHB Program
UnitedHealthcare MedicareRx PDP
Medicare Open Enrollment
Enroll in your Medicare benefits
Need help finding a health plan that’s right for you?
Download and access Health Plan resources
2025 Medicare with PSHB Program
2025 Postal Brochure
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Plan
Explore the UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan for High Option members.