Participation in the Medicare Premium Payment Program is optional.

CalSTRS members may be eligible for CalSTRS to pay their Medicare Part A premiums and/or deduct their Medicare Part B premiums. The CalSTRS Medicare Premium Payment Program (MPPP) ensures enrolled members’ premium payments are forwarded to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

CalSTRS is not able to enroll members in Medicare. To enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office.

If Social Security says you are not qualified, not eligible or do not have enough credits to receive Medicare Part A premium-free, ask to purchase Medicare Parts A and B.

If you enroll in Medicare Part A and CalSTRS determines that you are not eligible for the MPPP, you will be responsible for paying Medicare Part A premiums directly to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

After you are enrolled in Medicare

You will receive a Notice of Medicare Premium Payment Due (Medicare bill) from CMS. Complete the following steps after you receive the Medicare bill:

1. Make a copy of the bill; do not send payment to CMS
2. Fill out the CalSTRS Medicare Payment Authorization form
3. Send the completed Medicare Payment Authorization form and a copy of the unpaid bill to CalSTRS via mail to the address on the Medicare Payment Authorization form or fax to 916-414-5262

CalSTRS will notify you when we receive all the documents.

It is not unusual to get a second Medicare bill with past due premiums.Do not pay the Medicare bill. If you receive a Termination or Delinquent notice, contact CalSTRS immediately.

CalSTRS will send a confirmation letter when you are successfully enrolled in the MPPP.

A Medicare Premium Payment Program packet is available with more detailed information about the MPPP and a Medicare Payment Authorization Form.