FSBP and Medicare
What is Medicare?
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for:
- People age 65 or older
- Certain people under age 65 who have disabilities
- People with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD)
What are the parts of Medicare?
The different parts of Medicare help cover specific services:
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Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)
Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.
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Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
Part B covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.
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Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)
Medicare approved comprehensive type options offered by private insurers. Learn about the types of Medicare Advantage Plans.
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Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage)
Part D helps cover the cost of prescription drugs (including many recommended shots or vaccines).
FSBP and Medicare: Putting it Together
Medicare, together with the Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP) can significantly decrease your out-of-pocket medical care costs. If you are considering enrolling in Medicare or are currently enrolled in Medicare, here are some reasons why you should consider enrolling or keeping your FSBP coverage.
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Coverage for your eligible family members
Medicare does not provide coverage for eligible family members. FSBP will continue to cover your eligible family members if you maintain a Self Plus One (403) or Self and Family (402) enrollment with FSBP
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Coverage while traveling outside the 50 U.S.
Medicare usually doesn’t cover health care while you’re traveling outside the U.S. FSBP will cover you and your eligible dependents worldwide.
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Decrease your out-of-pocket costs
If you are enrolled in Medicare and the Foreign Service Benefit Plan (FSBP), FSBP will serve as your secondary insurer and will help pay what is left over after Medicare pays its benefits.
