RRB Updates Medicare Forms for Railroad Workers' Families
Published Date: 1/24/2025
Notice
Summary
The Railroad Retirement Board is updating and adding forms to help railroad workers and their families apply for Medicare benefits more easily. They want your feedback on how to make these forms clearer and less of a hassle. If you’re a railroad retiree or family member, these changes could affect how and when you apply for Medicare, so keep an eye out and share your thoughts soon!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
New Medicare Part B enrollment form (AA-23)
If you are a qualified railroad retirement beneficiary, the Railroad Retirement Board will use a new Form AA-23 to collect information to decide if you can enroll in Medicare Part B through the Initial Enrollment Period, a Special Enrollment Period, or the General Enrollment Period. You must complete this form so the RRB can determine your enrollment eligibility.
New Part B SEP form for exceptional conditions (AA-24)
If you are a qualified railroad retirement beneficiary claiming an exceptional condition for a Medicare Part B Special Enrollment Period, the RRB will use new Form AA-24 to collect the information needed to decide if you are entitled to that Special Enrollment Period. You must submit the form for the RRB to make that determination.
Updated Medicare application forms (AA-6, AA-7, AA-8)
If you have not yet filed for railroad retirement Act benefits, the RRB uses Forms AA-6 (Employee), AA-7 (Spouse/Divorced Spouse), and AA-8 (Widow/Widower) to get the information needed to decide whether you qualify for Medicare payments under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act. You must complete the appropriate form for the RRB to determine qualification for Medicare.
Employer group health plan evidence form (RL-311-F)
If you are a qualified railroad retirement beneficiary with employer group health plan (EGHP) coverage, the RRB will use Form RL-311-F to collect the basic information needed to establish your EGHP coverage for benefit purposes. You must provide this information so the RRB can establish EGHP coverage status.
Forms are required to get Medicare benefits
If you want Medicare payments through the railroad retirement system, you must complete the applicable RRB forms; completion is required to obtain a benefit and the agency requests one response from each respondent. Providing the requested form(s) is a necessary step to receive Medicare through the RRB.
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Key Dates
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