Date of Selection (Referendum) Period - Ballots were mailed on February 9th. The election period began February 16 and runs through May 15, 2004. All ballots must be postmarked by May 15, 2004 to be valid.

Eligible Members - TRS members continuously employed by the same employer since March 31, 1986 are eligible to make an irrevocable, one-time, individual election to prospectively participate in Medicare. Teachers who were hired after March 31, 1986, already participate in Medicare. Each employer certified to TRS the names of teachers that are eligible to participate in the referendum. This certification was the sole responsibility of the employer.

Informational Materials - TRS sent educational materials to eligible members in January 2004. The Social Security Administration sent a letter to teachers that are participating in the referendum, detailing the quarters that each teacher had earned through 2003.

Cost - Those who wish to make a 1.45 percent contribution to earn Medicare credit will select "Yes." The employer will match the employee contribution. The employer cannot refuse coverage for individuals who elect to take coverage.

Effective Date - Payroll deduction for the contribution will begin July 1, 2004 and members will begin earning Medicare credit as of this date. Those selecting "NO", or not responding, will continue to be exempt from the Medicare contribution. Individuals that do not have their ballot postmarked by May 15, 2004 will also be determined as electing not to participate in Medicare. Under federal law, all decisions will be irrevocable.

Medicare Qualifications - In order to qualify for Medicare you must accumulate 40 credits. An individual can obtain a maximum of 4 credits in one year. Credits are accumulated by the amount of salary ($900 for each quarter of Social Security in 2004) earned not time spent in a participating position.

Additional Medicare information: 1-800-633-4227 or http://www.medicare.gov

Questions to consider when reviewing informational materials: