Participation in the Medicare Premium Payment Program (MPPP) is optional. You must decide what is best for your own situation. Some retired educators may choose to keep their current arrangements for health care coverage.

Requirements

The CalSTRS Medicare Premium Payment Program is available to eligible members of the Defined Benefit Program who retire prior to July 1, 2012. The Teachers’ Retirement Board has the authority to extend the retirement eligibility date for the program.

CalSTRS can pay and deduct Medicare premiums for CalSTRS members only. Member spouses or beneficiaries are not eligible for the program.

You are eligible if you retired before January 1, 2001, and:

• You must pay a premium for Medicare Part A (hospitalization)
• You are enrolled in both Medicare Parts A and B

You are eligible if you retired on or after January 1, 2001, and prior July 1, 2012, and:

• You must pay a premium for Medicare Part A (hospitalization)
• You are enrolled in both Medicare Parts A and B
• You retired from an employer that
  • Has completed a Medicare Division before January 1, 2001
  
  
  or
  
  
  • Has completed a Medicare Division after January 1, 2001 and
    • If you were less than 58 years old during the 10-day election period, you must have voted "yes"

Medicare Division

Employers must conduct a Medicare Division in order for their employees to be eligible for the MPPP. Participating employers are listed in the Medicare Division Report. The Medicare Division:

• Allows members to make an irrevocable choice to pay the Medicare tax
• Applies only to CalSTRS members who retired on or after January 1, 2001