Policy and Systems

Types of Medicare Coverage

This part provides general information about early Medicare coverage. For a more complete explanation of the Medicare program, please refer to booklet RB-20, "Medicare for Railroad Workers and Their Families".

Medicare is the Federal health insurance program for people age 65 or older and certain disabled people. One part of Medicare (Part A) provides Hospital Insurance benefits. Another part (Part B) provides Medical Insurance.

Hospital Insurance helps pay for:

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Part III - Applying for Early Medicare Coverage

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When Your Disability Annuity Could End

At Age 60

At age 60, your entitlement to a disability annuity ends and your entitlement to an aged widow(er)'s annuity begins. This means that your entitlement to annuity payments is no longer affected by the restrictions that apply to disability annuitants as discussed in this booklet. However, your annuity is still subject to the restrictions for aged widow(er) annuitants discussed in booklet RB-17, Survivor Annuities. If you do not have a copy of that booklet, you should request one.

Before Age 60

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Felony Conviction Can Affect Your Annuity

The amount of your annuity may be affected if you are:

convicted of a felony which was committed after October 19,1980, or
imprisoned or confined for being convicted of a felony.

See Part V, Item 1, for the definition of confinement and felony.

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How Work Can Affect Your Disability Annuity Payments

Before Age 60

If you perform work after your disability annuity begins, full monthly payments will continue until it is determined that your disability has ended and you are no longer entitled to a disability annuity. Your annuity is not payable for any month in which you work for a railroad employer, or any month where you perform substantial gainful work after your trial work period, and you must return your annuity payment for that month to the RRB.

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When Your Disability Annuity Can Begin

You may select the date you wish your disability annuity payments to begin.

The date you select can be either:

the earliest date permitted by law, or
another date that may be more advantageous to you.

General Rule

Generally, the earliest annuity beginning date permitted by law is the latest of:

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Eligibility Requirements for a Disability Annuity

This section describes the special requirements you must meet to receive a disability annuity.

In addition to meeting the general annuity requirements described in publication RB-17, "Survivor Annuities", you must be:

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Part II - About Your Disability Annuity

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Information and Assistance

Any time you need information and assistance, you may contact the nearest office of the RRB. In addition to the personal attention you will receive, special booklets and printed material are available. To locate the nearest field office call at 1-877-772-5772.

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Periodic Review of Disability

Your case may be periodically reviewed to determine if your condition is still severe enough to prevent you from working. This is necessary to see if your disability annuity or early Medicare coverage should continue.

When your case is reviewed, we may ask you for information and evidence or to report for a medical examination.

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