Chat Transcript: November 21, 2019
Chat Transcript
This is a transcript of an online chat and has not been edited for spelling or grammar. If you have a question that is not answered here or need more clarification, please contact NARFE’s Federal Benefits experts at fedbenefits@narfe.org.
Question: I am currently on BCBS Standard and GEHA Dental/Vision High. I am scheduled to retire Aug2020 and turn 65 Oct2020. I understand that once I retire that Medicare is primary and FEHB secondary.
Answer: Yes… once you retire and have reached age 65, Medicare is typically primary to FEHB. -James
Question: Checkbook magazine recommends for my wife and I (both on Medicare part A and B) United Choice plus Advanced (Retiree Adv) plan code L93R. This has a $3k lower cost estimate versus our current plan (Aetna Direct). Should we be concerned about the United quality rating of “Fair”. What other concerns should we have versus our current plan? Is this a Medicare Advantage Plan and if so, what concerns should we have? Thanks, good program!
Answer: Although quality rating can be important, I would say other factors are more important such as doctor/hospital network… call any specific doctors if that’s important to keep them to be sure they accept the new plan option because some doctors won’t accept Medicare Advantage, and since this is somewhat new to FEHB, I would double check that…. although maybe less a concern with HMOs than FFS plans… double check prescription cost sharing… -James
Question: All of the discussion seems to center around the annuitant. What about considerations for other household members. Please advise on how an annuitant (providing health insurance coverage for a household of two) under age 65 with a spouse who is turning 65 and planning to enroll in Medicare A&B should look at insurance options for the coming year. Does the advice for an annuitant enrolled in Medicare apply the same way?
Answer: Since the annuitant’s spouse is reachng age 65, he/she could sign up for Medicare (which becomes primary to FEHB) while the FEHB continues to be the only coverage for the annuitant… so they may not want to immediately switch to an FEHB plan that suits Medicare coverage until the annuitant reaches the age of 65 and signs up for Medicare… that’s when they want to really take a closer look at FEHB plans that make the most sense as secondary when Medicare finally becomes the primary coverage for both individuals. This example goes both ways if the annuitant was older than the spouse. -James
Question: You can change your FEHB plan in retirement without a qualifying life event? Can you elaborate on that? Did I hear that right?
Answer: Only retirees who are age 65 or older can make this once in a lifetime change of FEHB coverage outside an open season or qualifying life event. But consider saving this for a year in the future where you might experience an unexpected health issue where you might want to switch plans in the middle of a year. You only have one of these during your life. Refer to the OPM Form 2809 (event code 2L) for details. -James
Question: Thanks for a very informative session. Do you know what percentage of federal retirees sign up for Medicare part B?
Answer: In the federal community, it’s between 75-80% of federal and postal retirees -Jessica
Question: What the web site for the consumer’s guide?
Answer: https://www.checkbook.org/newhig2/hig.cfm -Jessica
Question: How do Long Term Care benefits coordinate with FEHB Plans and Medicare?
Answer: Very limited coverage available under Medicare and/or FEHB for LTC assistance… but usually most LTC insurance plans take over AFTER the Medicare LTC ends… I would recommend contacting LTC Partners at www.ltcfeds.com for a specific answer to this great question. -James
Question: What was the 1-800 number?
Answer: The NARFE 1-800 number is 1-800-456-8410 -Jessica
Question: My wife and I are both on Medicare A & B and have GEHA High Option Self + one. If we continue with this plan in 2020 will we get $600 for each of us (total $1200)? Also how is this $600/$1200 transmitted to us? Lump sum check? Thank you.
Answer: I would refer you to see what the GEHA High Option plan brochure says about this. The example I gave was the BCBS Basic, Aetna Direct, and the various new UnitedHealthCare HMO plans around the country. These funds are usually direct deposit. Thank you! -James
Question: what is opm web address for reviewing health plans?
Answer: https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/plan-information/compare-plans/ -Jessica
Question: I have blue cross standard and will be getting medicare a and b in may should I change to basic
Answer: You should certainly consider it. Call BC/BS customer service reps (using the phone number on the back of your bc/bs medical ID) and ask them to walk you through the pros & cons of switching or not. -James
Question: can you repeat the information that BCBS offers Medicare retirees?
Answer: BCBS BASIC offers a reimbursement of $800 if you have medicare part B coverage -Jessica
Question: What do you suggest for someone who will retire and suspend their FEHB this year since we have Tricare
Answer: Once you retire, if you’re married then be sure that your spouse is under the FEHB plan as well so he/she can possibly unsuspend coverage later during any open season if they outlive you and qualify for a spousal survivor benefit from OPM. Otherwise, just keep in mind that you can unsuspend any FEHB plan during any future open season if your healthcare needs (or TRICARE coverage ) change for any reason. -James
Question: Will the questions from everyone be shared; or is each individual just going to get an answer to her/his question?
Answer: they will be shared and online. Many people ask the same question. -Jessica
Question: If I contributed to my HSA for 2019and then cancelled my HDHP upon retirement in Dec 2019, when can I apply for Medicare part A without IRA penalty in 2020?
Answer: Great question! I would double check this with a tax advisor, but I believe that any contribution you made to a HSA in 2019 won’t be subject to a penalty if you don’t get Medicare coverage until 2020. However, if you decide to keep a HDHP in 2020, don’t contribute to the HSA because you’re not allowed to contribute to an HSA the same year that you sign up for Medicare. Talk to a tax advisor AND a customer service rep from your HDHP plan for more details. -James
Question: benefits or problems if you choose not to go with medicare and keep your federal insurance as your primary coverage?
Answer: Maybe not that many financial woes until you begin to have unhealthy years, whereas most annuitants with medicare parts a and b with FEHB as backup tend to have very little if any financial woes. The question of signing up for medicare or not is slightly less important than the question of which FEHB plan makes the most sense once Medicare becomes my primary coverage. For more details, definitely watch our recent Medicare and FEHB webinar, because there are several considerations and options, including exceptions. -James
Question: Can one sign up for dental plan with GEHA when reg plan is with BCBS?
Answer: Yes -James
Question: Did you say that a retired federal government employee can change health plans anytime during the year?
Answer: Employees can only change plans during open season or a qualifying life event. you can find more information here – https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/plan-information/changes-you-can-make-outside-of-open-season/ -Jessica
Question: Did you say that you can’t participate in High-Deductible Health Plans with Medicare Part B?
Answer: You CAN participate in HDHP plans if you have Medicare coverage, however you would be given an HRA instead of an HSA. More details in our HDHP/CDHP webinar online. -James
Question: As a basic rule, when on Medicare as a primary ins., am I just wasting money with keeping Standard or will I be giving up a lot of coverage by going to basic? Does staying in network benefits go away with Medicare?
Answer: I do recommend that you speak with a BCBS customer service rep because the answer depends on where you want to get your care and what services do you expect to get next year. BCBS standard allows both in and out of network care whereas BCBS basic does not typically allow out of network service unless it’s an emergency. -James
Question: Can you describe how Fee-For-Service plans work with Tricare as a secondary insurance, and what to look for when picking a FEHP when you already have Tricare?
Answer: Jason (and anyone else with a similar question)… drop me an email at fedbenefits@narfe.org with a phone number where I can reach you because this good question is best warranted with a conversation instead of this brief Q&A. -James
Question: I did not receive the whole session may I have the video/recording available?
Answer: The entire recording with the Q&A will be available on the NARFE website in about 24 hours. You must be logged in to access it -Jessica
Question: What’s the best resource to understand coverage differences between the different plan types?
Answer: The individual plan summaries (available on the plan websites) and the Consumers Checkbook Guide to Federal Health Plans -James
Question: How do I download the slides from the Live Presentation
Answer: They will be available for download in about 24 hours on the NARFE website. You must be logged in to access them -Jessica
Question: Do you have any stats on the number or retired Federal employ. who just stay with their FHCB and choose not to get medicare part b (Wayne in NH)
Answer: Most federal employees (65 or older who are still actively employed) usually don’t have medicare part b until they retire from federal service… however, the majority of federal annuitants (65 or older) do have medicare part b… exceptions might be folks who live overseas and never return to the U.S. for healthcare OR people with good HMO plans (who never plan to ever go out of network), OR people who have large income that would result in expensive part b premiums. I don’t have an exact number, but in the last 20+ years, the majority of annuitants I speak to (65 or older) have medicare part b as primary to their FEHB. -James
Question: What should be considered, besides premium and deductible, when a married couple (both of whom federal retirees) with no children is deciding whether to take Self or Self plus one?
Answer: once both feds are retired and no longer have children under the FEHB plan, two separate self only plans tend to be more cost effective than a self plus one plan…. more flexibility too. Exception might be if one of us is super healthy and the other is super unhealthy (regarding catastrophic limits)… and another exception might be if one federal retiree is public safety officer (i.e. law enforcement, firefighter retired)… -James
Question: Is Aetna Direct or Aetna Advantage better for those of us on Medicare?
Answer: That’s an excellent question… and since Aetna Advantage is somewhat new, I would definitely refer you to one of Aetna’s customer service reps for specific examples. Aetna has great CSR’s to talk to about these sorts of comparison questions. -James
Question: I’m retiring on DEC 31 this year. How do I handle that transition with my insurer?
Answer: If you are retiring immediately upon separation from federal service, your agency typically transfers your FEHB coverage to OPM automatically. If you are attempting to make an open season election, you would use the OPM Form 2809 to make the open season election with OPM by attaching the open season election with your retirement application. Your agency cannot process an employee open season election (SF 2809) for you if you are no longer employed in January. Your agency retirement office should understand this as well. -James
Question: I’m a recent annuitant with Blue Cross Standard. I recently started Medicare Part B. I understand I could pay a lot less if I switched to BCBS Basic but my covered spouse needs high cost speciality drugs such as Hyzentra (plasma) and Remicade. Does staying with BCBS Standard make the most sense given the drug costs?
Answer: That is an example where you might be better off keeping the high option plan. But talk to bcbs customer service and ask them to specifically address this for you. -James
Question: What was the 20% off code#?
Answer: 20NARFE -Jessica
Question: As a fed retiree if I change from BC/BS to Medicare A&B, may I return to BC/BS?
Answer: If you CANCEL your FEHB coverage, you cannot get it back. You can, however, SUSPEND your FEHB coverage -Jessica
Question: how soon before open season dates can I order carrier’s guides
Answer: It depends on the plan. Most are available on their individual websites shortly before open season. OPM won’t post them until all are available -Jessica
Question: Can a retired military person who works for the federal government and is over 65 years old suspend his or her Tricare and Medicare and select a FEHB insurance company until he/she retires?
Answer: YES… you just can’t use TRICARE for Life (TFL) until you later enroll into Medicare Parts A and B. I can walk you through the details and timing on this if you want to drop me an email at fedbenefits@narfe.org with a phone number where I can call you sometime. -James
Question: did you mention that retirees can change their health care plan at any time
Answer: Only retirees who are age 65 or older can make this once in a lifetime change of FEHB coverage outside an open season or qualifying life event. But consider saving this for a year in the future where you might experience an unexpected health issue where you might want to switch plans in the middle of a year. You only have one of these during your life. Refer to the OPM Form 2809 (event code 2L) for details. -James
Question: I’m 73 and retired 11 yrs. I always adhered to the saying Never drop your FEHB health insurance. I’m not on Medicare. If I pick up Medicare Part B and drop my FEHB, can I get it back later if I need it, say for future family coverage?
Answer: If you CANCEL FEHB coverage, you can not get it back. You can SUSPEND FEHB and get it back at a later date -Jessica
Question: I am retired and have BCBS but how do I tell if it’s basic or standard? 106 or 105, which is which?
Answer: Both of those codes are standard… i think one is self plus one and the other is family. the code that begins with 11 is the basic plan, i believe. you can double check the back of the bcbs brochure for these codes. -James
Question: Is it possible to get a copy of the slideshow shown during this presentation?
Answer: They will be on the NARFE website in about 24 hours -Jessica
Question: there is a FEHP virtual health plans fair online; should still review it or did NARFE cover health topics
Answer: I would recommend attending any FEHB health fairs (virtual or online) that are available to you. If you gives you an opportunity to talk to many different FEHB plans in a very short period of time… all in one place. -James
Question: I missed the first 30 mins of this program, will it be available online? Will slides be available in pdf…?
Answer: The webinar, slides and Q&A will be available on the NARFE website in about 24 hours -Jessica
Question: what is the percentage of federal retirees that sign up for Medicare Part A?
Answer: Most retirees are in Part A. Those who aren’t typically retired before 1983, so it’s small population -Jessica
Question: Excellent presentation. Informative. Appears to be all-encompassing to answer any questions I may have in comparing my current plan with other available plans in 2020. Thank you.
Answer: Thank you for joining us -Jessica
Question: I would like more information about retirees being able to change FEHB plans out of season.
Answer: https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/life-events/ -Jessica
Question: I am 80 yrs and have bcbsstandard, would I be better with bcbcsbasic
Answer: That depends on your health care needs and whether or not you have Medicare Part B -Jessica
Question: Does BCBS Standard offer the reimbursement? Can you apply for the reimbursement if you have self plus one and only one of you is on medicare?
Answer: standard does not offer a medicare reimbursement. If you have basic, you can only receive the reimbursement for those enrolled in medicare -Jessica
Question: I missed a point regarding those above 65 to write to this email address for advice?
Answer: fedbenefits@narfe.org -Jessica
Question: does BCBS STANDARD offer a reimbursement for Medicare Part B retirees?
Answer: no -Jessica
Question: Where is the link for the presentation this afternoon?
Answer: It will be in the Federal Benefits Institute on the NARFE website in about 24 hours. You will need to be logged in to access it. -Jessica
Question: Would you please do a webinar for those who retirees who did not take Medicare part B?
Answer: Thanks for the suggestion! -Jessica
Question: What was the 20% code for the Consumers’Checkbook Guide?
Answer: 20NARFE -Jessica
Question: thank you…great webinar…would it be possible next year to separate into two webinars…one for active and one for retires as there is so much information
Answer: Thanks for the suggestion! -Jessica
Question: Who has the least complaints of GEHA, NALC, and MHBP? Whois easiest towork with in your experience?
Answer: here is some information on plan ratings, although it’s a bit lacking in details.
https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/plan-information/quality-healthcare-scores/fehb-member-survey-results/ -Jessica
Question: is it correct that as retired feds, Medicare is not mandatory.
Answer: Medicare is NOT mandatory for retired feds, although most choose to take it -Jessica
Question: Can I call NARFE For health questions?
Answer: anytime! Well, between 8am and 5pm ET -Jessica
Question: Is the Part B reimbursement per priary enrollee only or per individual on policy?
Answer: per individual on the plan, assuming each is enrolled in Medicare Part B -Jessica
Question: Using the OMP comparison tool I provided my zip code and identified 3 plans to compare. All 3 came up but when I opened the plan borchure for 2 of them, they stated they were not available in Colorado.
Answer: can you email us and let us know your zip so we can flag this for OPM? fedbenefits@narfe.org -Jessica
Question: As a basic rule, when on Medicare as a primary ins., am I just wasting money with keeping Standard BCBS or will I be giving up a lot of coverage by going to basic? Is staying in network not necessary when on Medicare as primary? benefits go away with Medicare?
Answer: Each situation is different and unique, but if you want a basic rule…. for most, it makes sense to switch to basic coverage. -Jessica
Question: Is retirement a qualifying g life event?
Answer: no -Jessica
Question: Is there a difference between blue cross blue shield family and self plus one?
Answer: there are cost differences, but not coverage. https://www.fepblue.org/benefit-plans/compare-plans-2019 -Jessica
Question: What was the one time change in the middle of the year outside of open season you mentioned for changing FEHB?
Answer: a qualifying life event. More information can be found here – https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/plan-information/changes-you-can-make-outside-of-open-season/ -Jessica
Question: Does Blue Cross Standard offer the Medicare rebate
Answer: No, just Basic -Jessica
Question: I am retired, do I have to contact OPM to change plans
Answer: here’s how you change plans – https://www.opm.gov/faqs/QA.aspx?fid=735eda40-61a8-45df-b6ad-47185f4c91a5&pid=0c8f2446-7ca1-441f-8244-db16fb1e072e -Jessica
Question: In what situation is it ok to suspend your FEHB healthcare in retirement rather than cancel?
Answer: If you cancel you can never get it back. Ever. Something to keep in mind. -Jessica
Question: If I am on Medicare Part B and FEHB this year can I switch to just FEHB next year?
Answer: You can drop Medicare at any time. If you decide later you need it, you may incur penalties -Jessica
Question: I have to step away… will this Q and A be available after the session ends?
Answer: Yes, within 24 hours -Jessica
Question: What is amount, again, of the Medicare reimbursement for BSBS?
Answer: $800 -Jessica
Question: What is the Medicare reimbursement for BCBS Basic?
Answer: $800 -Jessica
Question: Do you know if the cost for Medicare Part B can change if your income changes either up or down in different years?
Answer: Yes. https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/part-b-costs -Jessica
Question: BC/BS service reps. seem to be new emp. & don’t seem to know answers to my questions. Any suggestions?
Answer: You can call NARFE’s experts at 1-800-456-8410 -Jessica
Question: Numerous questions. Are there advisors available by phone?
Answer: You can call the NARFE benefits specialists at 1-800-456-8410 -Jessica
Question: Does it make sense to drop FEHB coverage if I’m signing up for Medicare Part B and add a Medicare supplement instead?
Answer: Once you cancel/drop FEHB, you cannot get it back. Consider that wisely. -Jessica
Question: I cannot find Tammy’s most recent webinar about Consumer-Driven plans on the NARFE website, but I remember receiving the notification that it was posted. Do you have a direct link to that one, please?
Answer: I can’t provide a direct link because you need to be logged into the website as a member to access it. Once you log in, about halfway down the members’ homepage, you’ll see a banner for the Institute. Click that. -Jessica
Question: how do i get a BCBS plan brochure
Answer: https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/plan-information/plans/ -Jessica
Question: Just want to thank you all for this information
Answer: Thank you for joining us -Jessica
Question: May I SUSPEND my FEHB in order to go onto Medicare and then get my FEHB later if I need it, as to provide family coverage, for example?
Answer: Yes -Jessica
Question: What do you get 20% off of when you use code 20NARFE?
Answer: access to the Consumer Checkbook https://www.checkbook.org/newhig2/hig.cfm -Jessica
Question: Is it still up to the enrolle whether to choose a family enrollment or self plus one for a married couple?
Answer: yes -Jessica
Question: So does that mean that a couple with Part A & B would receive $1600 each (total $3200)?
Answer: $800 each, $1600 total assuming you’re both enrolled in Part B. There is no reimbursement for Part A because it’s free -Jessica
Question: What is the penalty for not signing up for Part B at age 65? Isn’t it 10% per year?
Answer: yes, 10% per month or per year. It works out to be the same -Jessica
Question: Will the Q&A content be included in the slideshow that will be available in 24 hours
Answer: yes -Jessica
Question: Is retirement a qualifying g life event?
Answer: no -Jessica
Question: I have the 202 Checkbook. Mr. Marshall mentioned that it was superior to OPM’s FEHB Comparison Tool because it allows specific data entry into its comparison tool. Is he talking about the web-site? Or a section in the hard-copy book that I haven’t yet found?
Answer: both https://www.checkbook.org/newhig2/hig.cfm -Jessica
Question: 20% off what?
Answer: https://www.checkbook.org/newhig2/hig.cfm -Jessica
Question: Why would anyone suspend their FEHB coverage other than the fact they can get it back?
Answer: a variety of reasons, to save money being a big one. -Jessica
Question: NOT A QUESTION – THANKS FOR GREAT INFORMATIVE WEBINAR
Answer: Thanks for joining us! -Jessica
Question: What is a carrier guide?
Answer: it’s information on the various plans – https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/plan-information/plans/ -Jessica
Question: Does NARFE have web information on retirees enroll into health plans with OPM during open season?
Answer: https://www.narfe.org/federalbenefitsinstitute/?fa=OpenSeason&CFID=24529253&CFTOKEN=1e924d9a8e044c36-9CCF01E0-C6B0-3759-49E8589FCCD952A8 -Jessica
Question: So you can suspend for no reason to try a medicare advantage plan and then get FEHB again?
Answer: Yes, Suspend. Do not cancel -Jessica
Question: Did I hear you say that the penalty for not signing up for Medicare Part B was 10% PER MONTH?? I thought it was 10 % per Year. Thanks.
Answer: It’s the same thing. -Jessica
Question: what is the discount for the checkbook comparison tool?
Answer: 20NARFE -Jessica
Question: Q&A time almost over and ALL my questions went unanswered — very frustrated paying NARFE member
Answer: There are hundreds of questions and two people answering them. Our benefits specialists are always available to answer your questions during the week -Jessica
Question: Question : What is the penalty for not signing up for Part B at age 65? Isn’t it 10% per year? Jessica: yes, 10% per month Please clarify if the penalty is per year or per month
Answer: it’s the same. 10% per year and 10% per year result in the same penalty. -Jessica
Question: There are so many commercials about Life Insurance, I hear the FEGLI prices increase dramatically, is there a presentation on Life Insurance options?
Answer: There is a webinar on FEGLI in the webinars section of the Federal Benefits Institute. You have to be logged in to access it -Jessica