Wood County is changing eligibility requirements for pharmacy coverage for Medicare-eligible retirees and spouses.

Wood County commissioners met in special session last week to amend the Wood County Health Insurance Plan relating to retired employees’ participation in Medicare Part D.

To maintain pharmacy coverage through the Wood County Health Plan, retirees and spouses must enroll in Medicare Part D no later than Dec. 7, 2026. Those who enroll after the Dec. 7 deadline may be subject to a Medicare Part D late-enrollment penalty, depending on their circumstances and whether they have maintained creditable prescription drug coverage.

Effective Jan. 4, 2027, any former or retired employee or spouse who is eligible for Medicare and elects to maintain coverage under the Wood County Health Plan must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B as a condition of continued eligibility for coverage under the county plan.

Former and retired employees and their spouses who are eligible for Medicare as of Jan. 4, 2027, must enroll in Medicare Part D no later than Dec. 7, 2026, so that Medicare Part D coverage will be effective and become primary for prescription drug benefits under the plan.

Medicare’s annual open enrollment period runs through Dec. 7, and enrollment submitted by that date is effective Jan. 1, 2027. Also effective Jan. 4, 2027, Medicare-eligible former and retired employees and their spouses who satisfy Medicare enrollment requirements may continue coverage under the county health plan. Medicare will provide primary coverage, and the county health plan will provide secondary coverage in accordance with the terms of the plan.

For prescription drug benefits, Medicare Part D will provide primary coverage, and prescription drug benefits available under the Wood County Health Plan will be provided on a secondary basis, subject to the plan’s coordination of benefits provisions, limitations and exclusions.

Medicare enrollment is not automatic in all circumstances. Individuals are responsible for completing enrollment on time. For assistance with Medicare Part D enrollment, contact Medicare, the Social Security Administration or a qualified Medicare adviser.

At their previous regular meeting, commissioners heard from the Quitman FFA concerning agricultural issues regarding the sale or lease of land for groundwater rights.

In another matter, commissioners approved a host agreement for an April 2225 event. The county authorized the Wood County Economic Development Commission to execute the agreement.