grandfather, father, and son playing chessSocial Security and Medicare

Most PSRS members do not contribute to Social Security on PSRS-covered earnings. However, some members work in positions that require participation in both PSRS and Social Security as determined by the state Social Security Administrator. The PSRS contributions and benefits applicable to such employment are two-thirds of the full value. Age and service requirements for benefit eligibility are the same for all members.

You may qualify for Social Security if you have 40 units (10 years) of Social Security-covered employment, or through your spouse or ex-spouse (living or deceased).

Information provided here regarding potential Social Security or Medicare benefits is general in nature. Any decisions regarding these benefits should be made only after contacting the Social Security Administration.

  • Social Security WEP and GPO Provisions

    On January 5, 2025, President Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act, which repealed two federal laws – the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO).

    These provisions reduced Social Security payments to PSRS monthly benefit recipients who also qualified for Social Security benefits due to other work (WEP), or received spousal Social Security benefits (GPO).

    As a result of the repeal, these reductions will end. Affected PSRS members will receive increased Social Security benefits retroactive back to January 2024 payments.

    This legislation has no impact on PSRS contribution rates, and does not require PSRS members to pay into Social Security on their PSRS-covered earnings.

    The Social Security Administration is responsible for the implementation of these changes. Specific questions regarding timing and impact on individual benefits should be directed to the Social Security Administration. We recommend you visit www.ssa.gov for more information.

  • Medicare

    Medicare

    Contact the Missouri State Health Insurance Assistance Program, at (800) 390-3330 or visit their website  www.missouriship.org for specific information about your entitlement to Medicare benefits.

    If you are a U.S. citizen or a lawfully admitted alien who has lived in the U.S. for at least five years, you can receive Medicare benefits at age 65. The real question for PSRS members is whether or not you will have to pay a premium for Medicare coverage.

    If you were hired by a PSRS-covered employer before April 1986 and have not changed employers since that time, you do not pay into Medicare on your PSRS-covered wages. If you were hired or have changed employers since March 1986, Medicare contributions are withheld from your pay. If you pay into Medicare, your employer matches your contributions. When you are paying into Medicare, you receive "units" based on your earnings. You can receive a maximum of four units in one calendar year.

    There are four components to Medicare:

    • Part A, Hospital Insurance
    • Part B, Medical Insurance
    • Part C, Medicare Advantage Plan
    • Part D, Prescription Drug Coverage

    You may choose to participate in any or all parts.

    Medicare benefits may be payable under special circumstances that are not explained here, such as with the occurrence of a disability.