Transitioning from an Employer Plan
Transitioning From an Employer or Individual Cigna Healthcare Plan to a Medicare Plan
Moving from an employer or individual health plan to a Medicare plan doesn’t have to be complicated, especially if you stay with the same health care company.
If your current health plan is from Cigna HealthcareSM, there are several things you can look forward to with one of our Medicare plans, including:
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The same network Since our Medicare plans are part of the same Cigna Healthcare network, you may be able to keep your current doctors and care providers. |
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The same coverage With our Medicare plans, you can get the same or similar coverage and may also get even more benefits and perks. |
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The same company you know and trust Why is change a good thing? If you’re already happy with your care and coverage, transitioning to a Cigna Healthcare plan is easy. |
But even if you don’t currently have a Cigna Healthcare plan, we’re here to make Medicare easy. Here are a few things to keep in mind when transitioning your plans.
Learn about your Medicare coverage options
There’s a lot to learn about Medicare before enrolling in a new plan. And the more you know, the more confident you’ll feel in your decision when ready.
Overall, Medicare consists of four main parts:
- Part A: Hospital coverage
- Part B: Medical coverage
- Part C: Medicare Advantage plans
- Part D: Prescription drug plans
To get a more in-depth understanding of what Medicare is and your coverage options, check out our What is Medicare article. This article will help you understand your coverage options so you can find the plan that will fit you best.
Video: Transitioning from an Employer Plan
Find out how to seamlessly transition to a Medicare plan. (Length: 00:01:31)
Know when to enroll
Timing matters with Medicare—especially when you’re transitioning off an employer or individual health plan.
There are two main enrollment periods you’ll want to keep track of once you’re eligible for Medicare:
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
This is the seven-month time frame around your 65th birthday (the three months before, the month of and the three months after you turn 65) when you can first enroll in Medicare.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
You can apply for this enrollment period after a qualifying life event—like you move out of state or lose health coverage. If you’re over 65 and still covered by an employer’s plan, you can file for an SEP during the eight months after you leave your job or when your employer coverage ends.
If you plan on working past 65 and staying on your employer’s plan, you’ll still need to make some decisions about Medicare. Check out this article to learn more about what to do if you don’t plan on retiring at 65.
Avoid penalties by enrolling at the right time
Whether you’re enrolling in a Medicare plan during your IEP or an SEP, if you don’t enroll in Medicare Part B when eligible, you may face a penalty.
Knowing when to enroll in Part B will depend on your circumstances. Our Medicare advisors can help you determine when to enroll based on your unique situation. Give us a call at 1 (888) 583-3346 (TTY 711) to ensure you enroll at the right time.
Ask for help when making the transition
We’re here to help you take the guesswork out of Medicare. If you’re unsure which Medicare plan is right for you or have questions about when to transition, we’re only a quick phone call away. Reach out to our advisors at 1 (888) 583-3346 (TTY 711) and get the assistance you need to make the right choice for your needs.
Explore articles related to your Medicare journey
What is Medicare?
Understand what Medicare is, how it works and what you need to know to find the plan that's right for you.
Types of Medicare Plans
Explore the many different Medicare plan options so you can be ready to enroll in the plan that's right for you.
Choosing a Medicare Plan
No matter your needs or budget, Cigna Healthcare offers a wide range of plan options to choose from.
