Frequently Asked Questions About Retiree Health Care Changes
State Treasurer Dale Folwell and the State Health Plan Board of Trustees announced in mid-June a new contract with Humana for Medicare Advantage plans that will save retiree families up to $220 a month!
Beginning Jan. 1, 2021, Medicare-eligible members will continue to enjoy premium-free coverage through the new plans from Humana, while eligible dependents will have monthly premiums of only $4 for the Medicare Advantage Base Plan.
Below are answers to some Frequently Asked Questions to help retirees navigate this change.
What if I don’t want to move to the Humana Medicare Advantage?
Retirees will have three choices during open enrollment October 2020.
- BCBSNC 70/30 Secondary insurance to Medicare
- Humana Base Plan
- Humana Enhanced Plan
In addition to my Medicare Advantage plan, I buy the state vision insurance from United Healthcare. Will my vision insurance move to a different company?
No. Supplemental insurances are not part of the Medicare Advantage plans.
Will we still be able to get 3-month supply of mail order meds?
Your coverage will remain mostly unchanged with Humana. You will still be able to receive the same benefits as you do now through United Healthcare plus some additional benefits.
Do current United healthcare retirees have to enroll during open enrollment for Humana?
Yes. The United Healthcare contract will expire and no longer be a plan choice.
Will I have to do anything special or will I automatically be enrolled in Humana?
You will receive information in the mail explaining your choices in detail. Once you decide which plan is best for you, return the information or go online as instructed by the mailing to make your decision during the open enrollment period.
Please make sure that you do not inadvertently discard mailings from the North Carolina State Health Plan.
Is the Humana Medicare Advantage Plan more costly?
No. Eligible subscribers will continue to enjoy premium-free coverage for the Medicare Advantage Base Plan. In addition, all eligible dependents on the Medicare Advantage Base Plan will pay just $4 for their monthly premium beginning January 1, 2021. Today, members pay $112 per month for spousal coverage and $224 for family coverage.
Will out-of-network provider services be different than services covered in-network?
No. Humana will provide coverage under a Group Medicare PPO plan. In-network and out-of-network benefits are the same.
Will my BCBSNC secondary insurance benefits change?
No. Benefits under the BCBSNC plan will remain the same.