Important Notice

The Retirement Board reviews the health benefits rates and plan structure at least annually.  All aspects of the health benefits program are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the Retirement Board. The benefits described on this web site, including plan design and rates, have been approved for the current plan year only and are not a guarantee of future benefits. For information about privacy practices read the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Disclosure.

Required Notice of Creditable Coverage Prescription Drug Coverage and Medicare

Cook County Pension Fund (CCPF) makes a prescription benefit available to its members. If you join a Medicare Part D plan, you are not eligible to participate in any part of the CCPF’s Group Health Benefit.

Important Information

1. CCPF makes a prescription benefit available to its members that is equal to or greater than a Medicare Part D plan and is therefore considered Creditable Coverage. Because your existing coverage is Creditable Coverage, you can keep this coverage and not pay a higher premium (a penalty) if you later decide to join a Medicare drug plan.
2. Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) became available in 2006 to everyone with Medicare. You can get this coverage if you join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or join a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO) that offers prescription drug coverage. All Medicare drug plans provide at least a standard level of coverage set by Medicare. Some plans may also offer more coverage for a higher monthly premium.

More detailed information about Medicare plans that offer prescription drug coverage is in the "Medicare & You" handbook. You’ll receive a copy of the handbook in the mail every year from Medicare. You may also be contacted directly by Medicare drug plans.

For More Information About Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage

• Visit Medicare.gov
• Call 1-800-MEDICARE (800) 633-4227. TTY users should call (877) 486-2048.
• Information for those with limited income and resources — SocialSecurity.gov or (800) 772-1213 / TTY (800) 325-0778.