Shirlee to Gary: How do you define 'non-resident alien?'

Shirlee Zerkel to Gary Russell, February 16, 2007
Subject: Re: Questions about 65 and over retirees

Gary, I have some concerns about your emails to me on 2-9-07 and 2-15-07. You told me that there are 210 retirees who have Medicare Part A only for the following two reasons:

1. These retirees are 65, working and covered by the employer's plan for Part B and STRS supplemental. You stated that they 'have STRS as the primary coverage for medical.' QUESTION: Does STRS co-ordinate benefits with the employer's plan since you state that STRS is primary and these people have to use STRS network providers? Just where does STRS fall in this whole picture?

2. These retirees are 'non-resident aliens who are not eligible Medicare Part B.' Medicare eligibility department has a different answer. Legal residents of the US, if they have worked 40 credits, are eligible for free Medicare Part A. They can also buy Part B or get an equivalent through their employer if they are presently working. Or they can buy Part A if they are a legal resident and have not worked in the US. Legal resident was the key word from the Medicare department I contacted.

So, Gary, where does your term 'non-resident alien' come from; certainly not the US government. According to Medicare, a non-resident is not eligible. What is your definition of 'non-resident alien,' since you are the one who used that term? I want answers that don't have a spin put on them. I want the whole truth, nothing but the whole truth when I ask a question.

Shirlee