If your health insurance coverage comes through your spouse’s job, you may lose that coverage when he or she retires and goes on Medicare. Not so long ago, this was a scary and expensive prospect, but things have changed.
Full Answer
What benefits does the UAW have for retirees?
The UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust offers health care benefits for retired UAW members of GM, Ford and Chrysler, along with their eligible dependents. The UAW Trust offers health coverage through our Medicare Plus Blue SM Group PPO plan or our BCN Advantage SM HMO-POS plan.
Where can I find information about my UAW Medicare plan?
If you get your Medicare coverage through the UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust, this is the place to find information about your plan. The UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust offers health care benefits for retired UAW members of GM, Ford and Chrysler, along with their eligible dependents.
What happens to my health insurance if General Motors goes bankrupt?
The bankruptcy of General Motors Corporation has forced the cancellation of health insurance coverage for many retirees. The changes will be effective January 1, 2008 for former employees. The good news for G.M. retirees over the age of 65 is that they will be in a “guaranteed issue” period for Medicare supplement and prescriptions Part D coverage.
Does the UAW Trust offer health insurance?
The UAW Trust offers health coverage through our Medicare Plus Blue SM Group PPO plan or our BCN Advantage SM HMO-POS plan. Both plans offer benefits beyond Original Medicare.
Can you have Medicare and employer insurance at the same time?
Can I have Medicare and employer coverage at the same time? Yes, you can have both Medicare and employer-provided health insurance. In most cases, you will become eligible for Medicare coverage when you turn 65, even if you are still working and enrolled in your employer's health plan.
Do GM retirees spouses have life insurance?
Yes. You may continue Dependent Life Insurance for your spouse as long as you maintain Basic Life Insurance.
Is Medicare primary over a retiree plan?
Regardless of your retiree insurance, you must make sure to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B because Medicare will always pay first after you retire (called primary insurance) and your retiree plan will pay second (called secondary insurance).
When you retire from a company do you keep your health insurance?
When you do retire, you will probably have the option of continuing on your employer's health plan for at least 18 months, thanks to a federal law called the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). It says that when you leave your job, your employer must let you keep your coverage for up to 18 months.
Does GM pension go to spouse after death?
If the surviving spouse/domestic partner is entitled to a pension benefit and the monthly contributions were taken from the retiree's pension payment prior to the retiree's death, the monthly contributions will be taken directly from the survivor's pension payment.
Do UAW retirees have life insurance?
Hourly retirees continue to receive Ford-paid Life Insurance (unreduced at base hourly rate on the last day worked) and Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage until age 65.
Is it necessary to have supplemental insurance with Medicare?
For many low-income Medicare beneficiaries, there's no need for private supplemental coverage. Only 19% of Original Medicare beneficiaries have no supplemental coverage. Supplemental coverage can help prevent major expenses.
Can you have a retirement plan and a Medicare Advantage Plan?
If you are eligible for retiree coverage, you should talk to the employer about how your coverage works with Medicare. If you decide not to take your retiree coverage, you can purchase other coverage such as Medicare supplement insurance (also called Medigap) or a Medicare Advantage Plan.
Why do doctors not like Medicare Advantage plans?
If they don't say under budget, they end up losing money. Meaning, you may not receive the full extent of care. Thus, many doctors will likely tell you they do not like Medicare Advantage plans because private insurance companies make it difficult for them to get paid for their services.
Do I still pay Medicare after I retire?
Working in Retirement Your age doesn't change whether or not you pay Medicare taxes. If you retire from your career at the age of 65 and decide to start working part-time, your income is subject to Medicare taxation.
Is Medicare Part A free at age 65?
You are eligible for premium-free Part A if you are age 65 or older and you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. You can get Part A at age 65 without having to pay premiums if: You are receiving retirement benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.
Does Medicare coverage start the month you turn 65?
The date your coverage starts depends on which month you sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period. Coverage always starts on the first of the month. If you qualify for Premium-free Part A: Your Part A coverage starts the month you turn 65.
What is Medicare Advantage Plan?
Medicare Advantage plans are approved by Medicare and administered by private insurance companies. They provide all of your Original Medicare Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) benefits, and additional benefits. MA PPO plans also utilize a nationwide network of doctors and facilities and allow services to be performed both in-network and out-of-network. In order to receive the highest level of benefits with the lowest out-of-pocket cost, you should check to see whether your providers participate in the network. Deductibles, coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximum amounts are always higher when you use an out-of-network provider.
Can I change my health insurance as a new retiree?
Your health plans and/or benefits may change as a new retiree or Surviving Spouse. Depending on your geographic location, you may have several plan options available to you, including Traditional Care Network (TCN), Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and for Medicare participants, Medicare Advantage (MA) Plans.
Does the Trust pay for travel insurance?
The Trust will only pay for health care claims outside of the United States if they are urgent or an emergency. There is no coverage for routine care. Because your health care coverage is limited outside the U.S., you may choose to buy a travel insurance policy to get more coverage. An insurance agent or travel agent can provide you with more information about buying travel insurance.
Is Medicare canceled for people living in the US illegally?
Medicare has revised its policies to discontinue coverage for individuals who are in the U.S. illegally. As a result, effective January 1, 2017, members who are living in the U.S. illegally will be disenrolled from all Trust coverage when they become entitled to Medicare (most of the time when reaching age 65). Members who are in the U.S. legally because of a visa, marriage, citizenship, etc. will not experience any change from this.
What is a UAW retiree?
UAW retirees are activists in every sense: from community service activities to political campaigns , UAW retirees contribute their time and talents to make a difference.
What is the UAW?
The UAW is proud of the important role that retirees play in our union. Our union’s retirees and surviving spouses belong to the Local Union Retired Workers Chapters and Women’s Auxiliaries, as well as Area Retired Workers Councils. It is this structure that enables our retirees and retiree associate members to have a strong voice – not only in our union, but also in the communities and states where they live.
Can I change my health insurance as a new retiree?
Your health plans and/or benefits may change as a new retiree or Surviving Spouse. Depending on your geographic location and Medicare status, you may have several plan options available to you, including the Traditional Care Network (TCN) plan, a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan and for Medicare participants, a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan.
Does the Trust pay for travel insurance?
The Trust will only pay for health care claims outside of the United States if they are urgent or an emergency. There is no coverage for routine care. Because your health care coverage is limited outside the U.S., you may choose to buy a travel insurance policy to get more coverage. An insurance agent or travel agent can provide you with more information about buying travel insurance.
UAW Trust website
You can find details on all your benefits and plan information in our UAW Trust website. We've put everything you need to know about your plan in one place.
For more help
Note: If you are a member of the UAW Retirees Medical Benefits Trust, your prescription drug plan is administered by Express Scripts.
We're here for you
Join us at one of our virtual informational events to learn about your plan options. We can help you find the right plan for your unique situation.
A partnership to serve you
UAW Trust and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan have teamed up to offer our members the best health care at the lowest cost. Together, we are committed to meeting your health care needs.
The benefits of an online account
An online member account lets you check balances, schedule appointments, make payments and much more. Here are just a few benefits:
What insurance company covers Medicare Advantage?
Instead, a private insurance company, United Healthcare, Anthem, or Humana for instance, covers the insured’s expenses for medical and prescription claims.
What is Medicare Supplement?
Most retired employees use Medicare as their primary coverage and their G.M. health insurance functions as their supplemental coverage.
How much does Part D cost?
Plan costs for Part D coverage usually range from $20-$45 per month. This cost does not include the co-payment amounts associated with most prescriptions. Prescriptions will fall into different tiers (there are usually four tiers) and thus have a separate co-payment above and beyond the monthly plan cost.
Is General Motors cancelling health insurance?
The bankruptcy of General Motors Corporation has forced the cancellation of health insurance coverage for many retirees. The changes will be effective January 1, 2008 for former employees. The good news for G.M. retirees over the age of 65 is that they will be in a “guaranteed issue” period for Medicare supplement and prescriptions Part D coverage.
Is it wise to enroll in dental insurance sooner or later?
Due to waiting periods, it is usually wise to enroll in a dental plan sooner rather than later. In summary, former General Motors employees will have several options available to them including Medicare supplements and Part D coverage, Medicare Advantage plans, dental and/or vision insurance.
Do all plans require medical underwriting?
All plans, except plan J, require no health underwriting. If the insured would like to enroll in a Plan J and they have previously enrolled in Medicare Part B, then they will have to complete medical underwriting. Fortunately, Plans C, F, G and others provide comprehensive coverage as well.
Can a G.M. retiree get a dental plan?
G.M. retirees may also wish to purchase dental and/or a vision plans. Typically dental and vision plans require no underwriting. The insured can enroll at any time. Most individual and family dental plans will have a waiting period before they cover major services. Due to waiting periods, it is usually wise to enroll in a dental plan sooner rather than later.
What is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage plans are approved by Medicare and offered by private insurance companies, such as Aetna. Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Part C , plans provide all the benefits you get with Original Medicare Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical).
What is the maximum out of pocket for Aetna?
The primary out-of-pocket maximum is the deductible plus coinsurance. Once you meet your primary out-of-pocket maximum of $630, you won’t pay any more coinsurance for the rest of the year. The Aetna plan will pay 100 percent for any services where the deductible and coinsurance would otherwise apply.
How to contact Aetna Medicare Advantage?
If you don’t know if you are a General or Protected status Trust member, call Retiree Health Care Connect. They’re available at 1-866-637-7555 . Slide 3 - Agenda.
What is the Aetna plan?
There are two Aetna plan types. The type that’s available to you is based on your residential zip code. The first plan type is the Preferred Provider Organization or PPO plan. The second plan type is the Extended Service Area or ESA plan.
Does Aetna pay monthly contributions?
With the Aetna plan , you don’t have to pay a monthly contribution just to have the plan. You have coverage for certain health services where you first must pay a $245 deductible. Once you meet that deductible, and then pay your share, or coinsurance, of ten percent. Aetna pays the other 90 percent.
Does Aetna pay more if you are in the ESA?
If you’re in the ESA plan, you can see any provider that accepts Medicare and is willing to bill Aetna. You won’t pay more if the provider is not in the Aetna Medicare network.