Post-65 Medicare-Eligible Health Care
The information on this page applies to post-65 retirees who are eligible for Medicare.
If you are age 65 or older and eligible for Medicare, your medical coverage is provided through Atmos Energy’s partner, Via Benefits. Instead of enrolling in a company-sponsored medical plan, you will choose an individual Medicare plan that works best for your needs with support from a licensed Benefit Advisor.
Through Via Benefits, you can select from a wide range of plans, including Medicare Supplement (Medigap), Medicare Advantage, and prescription drug plans. This approach gives you flexibility to choose coverage based on your doctors, prescriptions, and budget.
Atmos Energy continues to support you in retirement by helping fund your healthcare costs through a Health Reimbursement Account.
Retirees who are under age 65 will begin receiving information from Via Benefits about one year before becoming eligible. If you cover a spouse who is not yet Medicare-eligible, they may remain enrolled in the Atmos Energy Retiree Medical Plan until they transition to Medicare.
Timing Matters!
To ensure Medicare benefits are not delayed, apply for Part A and Part B 90 days prior to your retirement. You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B before you can enroll with Via Benefits.
Get Personalized Support with a Via Benefits Advisor
Choosing Medicare coverage can feel complex, especially when comparing plan types, provider networks, and prescription drug coverage. That’s where Via Benefits Advisors come in. Their advisors are licensed, unbiased professionals who specialize in Medicare. Their role is to help you understand your options and choose coverage that aligns with your healthcare needs, providers, and budget. There is no cost to work with a Via Benefits Advisor, and you are not required to enroll in a plan during your conversation.
Scheduling a conversation early—ideally a few months before turning 65 or retiring—can give you more time to review your options and make an informed decision.
A Via Benefits Advisor will work with you one-on-one to:
- Compare plan options side by side: Understand the differences between Medicare Supplement (Medigap) and Medicare Advantage plans, including how each option impacts your monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs
- Check your doctors and providers: Confirm whether your preferred physicians, specialists, and hospitals are included in a plan’s network
- Review your prescriptions: Evaluate your medications and identify plans that offer the most cost-effective coverage based on your current prescriptions
- Estimate your total costs: Look beyond premiums to help you understand your overall healthcare costs, including copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums
- Guide you through enrollment: Walk you step by step through the enrollment process and help ensure everything is completed accurately and on time
To speak with a Via Benefits Advisor, call 833-945-1112 or visit my.viabenefits.com/atmosenergy.
Your Coverage Options
Medigap (Medicare Supplement) + Part D Prescription Drug Plan
With this option, you enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and purchase a Medigap plan to help cover out-of-pocket costs like copays and deductibles. You’ll also enroll in a separate Part D plan for prescription drug coverage. This option typically offers more flexibility in choosing providers nationwide.
Medicare Advantage (MA) or Medicare Advantage with Prescription Drug (MAPD)
Medicare Advantage plans bundle your Medicare coverage into a single plan offered by a private insurer. These plans typically include medical and prescription drug coverage, and may also offer additional benefits such as dental, vision, or hearing coverage. Medicare Advantage plans often have lower monthly premiums but may require you to use a provider network and pay more when you receive care.
Remember, HRA funds cannot be used to reimburse out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Prescription Drug, Dental, and Vision
Through Via Benefits, you also have access to:
- Prescription drug coverage: Standalone Part D plans if you need separate coverage
- Dental and vision plans: Optional coverage, with the ability to use HRA funds to reimburse premiums
- As an alternative to dental and vision plans through Via Benefits, you will also have the option to continue your dental benefits under COBRA for up to 18 months through HealthEquity/WageWorks. If you choose to continue coverage through COBRA, HealthEquity/WageWorks will mail you enrollment forms.
Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
Atmos Energy helps offset the cost of your Medicare coverage by contributing to an HRA, administered through Via Benefits. One important note about the HRA is that funds do not roll over from year to year, so it’s important to use your funds within the plan year.
Atmos Energy contributes $3,350 annually to your HRA (prorated in your first year based on your enrollment date).
If your Medicare-eligible spouse also enrolls through Via Benefits, they will receive the same annual contribution.
Both contributions are combined into a joint HRA account.
Atmos Energy funds your HRA at the beginning of each year. You pay your premiums directly to your insurance carrier, then submit a request to Via Benefits for reimbursement using your HRA funds. You can submit reimbursement requests online, by fax, or by mail. Some insurance carriers also offer automatic reimbursement, which allows you to be reimbursed for premiums without submitting a request each month.
The timing of reimbursements will vary depending on your insurance provider. Via Benefits will provide details on how to submit claims and track reimbursements.
When you first enroll, you may be required to pay your initial premium up front. If so, you can request reimbursement once your HRA becomes active.
HRA funds can be used for eligible health care premiums, including:
- Medicare Part B premiums
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap) or Medicare Advantage plan premiums
- Prescription drug (Part D) plan premiums
- Dental plan premiums
- Vision plan premiums
- Qualified long-term care premiums
HRA funds cannot be used to reimburse out-of-pocket medical expenses.
How Medicare Impacts Your HSA
If you have an HSA (Health Savings Account), it’s important to know that once you enroll in Medicare, you are no longer eligible to contribute to your HSA. However, you can continue to use any existing HSA funds to pay for qualified healthcare expenses including Medicare premiums, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket costs.
Because Medicare enrollment can be retroactive in some cases, contributing to an HSA too close to enrollment may result in tax penalties. Consider speaking with a tax or financial advisor before enrolling to avoid unexpected issues.
The Fine Print
To access legal notices, SPDs, SARs, and other disclosures, visit the Document Library.
