When I retired, and became eligible for Medicare, I was told by my employer...NY State, that I HAD to take Medicare. Prior to retiring my coverage with NY State was my primary insurance coverage. Once I went on Medicare, that became my primary, and my State plan became secondary. Basically my State plan pays little or nothing towards doctor/hospital care. The main thing it does provide is my prescription plan.
Correct. Medicare is mandatory, not optional once you turn 65. The state plan, you have, acts as a supplemental plan that covers the 20% that Medicare does not cover, as Medicare only covers the first 80%. I had to purchase a separate supplemental plan to cover the 20% gap, as well as, a drug prescription plan to cover prescriptions.