10 Things Connecticut State Employee Retirees Should Know

State of Connecticut 2018 Retiree Health Care Options Planner

Here is the State’s Top 10 list from page 60 of the link.

1. The Connecticut State Retiree Health Plan is your trusted resource for health benefits information. If you have questions about your benefits contact the Retiree Health Insurance Unit at 860-702-3533 or visit the Comptroller’s website at www.osc.ct.gov.
2. Retiree health benefits structure is determined by the State. Eligibility for retiree health benefits is determined by your retirement date and your eligibility for Medicare.
3. If you’re enrolled in the UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Advantage (PPO) plan, you do not need to use your red, white and blue Medicare card. You should use your UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Advantage ID card for all covered medical and prescription drug needs. Put your Original Medicare card somewhere for safekeeping. It is important that you use your UnitedHealthcare ID card each time you receive medical services or fill a prescription.
4. Retirees and dependents may be enrolled in different plans, depending on Medicare-eligibility. All State Health Plan members who are eligible for Medicare are enrolled in the UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Advantage (PPO) plan. State Health Plan retirees and dependents who are not eligible for Medicare can choose from a variety of plan options, which do not include the UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Advantage plan. This means that some retirees and dependents may be enrolled in different plans. This is often referred to as a “split family.”
5. Retirees and dependents must enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B as soon as they’re eligible. Retirees and dependents who are Medicare-eligible based on age or disability must enroll in premium-free Medicare Part A hospital insurance and Medicare Part B medical insurance.
6. Do not enroll in a stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. The UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Advantage (PPO) plan includes Medicare prescription drug coverage. If you enroll in a stand-alone Medicare Part D (Medicare prescription drug) plan, you may be disenrolled from this Plan.
7. Medicare-eligible members must pay premiums to the federal government. Your standard premium for Medicare Part B is reimbursed by the State starting with the date your Medicare Part B card is received by the Retiree Health Insurance Unit.
8. Premiums for coverage must be paid, if applicable. Premiums you must pay for non-Medicare-eligible health coverage or dental coverage will be deducted automatically from your monthly pension check. If your pension check is not enough to cover the premium amount, you must pay the balance to continue eligibility for coverage.
9. You must disenroll ineligible dependents within 31 days after the date they become ineligible. Find more information on qualifying status changes on page 8. If you continue to cover an ineligible dependent after the 31-day period, you may be charged a fine.
10. If you change your home address, contact the Office of the State Comptroller. If you move, make sure to notify the Office of the State Comptroller about your change of address so we can keep you informed about your benefits.