Social Security & Medicare

CalPERS is coordinated with Social Security which means that you are eligible for benefits from the retirement system as well as Social Security benefits (with the exception of Unit 8 employees who contribute under the 1959 Survivor Benefit Program). The Medicare tax is mandatory whether or not you contribute to Social Security.

• Social Security and Medicare taxes are withheld from your pay.
• Contributions enable you to qualify for Medicare benefits upon attainment of age 65.
• Active employees who reach the age of 65 can enroll in Medicare Part A but should defer enrollment in Medicare Part B.
• When you are approaching your 65th birthday, you may be asked by the Social Security Administration to have a Request for Employment Information (PDF) completed. Please deliver the document to Kendall Hall, room 220 and allow 24-hours for completion.
• As a CalPERS retiree, when you qualify for Medicare Part A, you must sign up for Medicare Part B. Do not enroll in Medicare Part D because the CalPERS prescription drug plan is as good as or better than what is available under Medicare Part D. If you enroll in Medicare Part D, your CalPERS health plan will be canceled until you are dis-enrolled.
• Visit Social Security Administration(opens in new window) for information on Social Security and Medicare. You may also use the Retirement Estimator to calculate your social security benefits.