10/4/2017
Good news - there will be no premium increases for 2018 for all our retiree health insurance plans!
To achieve this rate pass, the Board of Pensions utilized significant reserve funds. Unfortunately, the long-term outlook for retiree group health insurance plans is not particularly promising. Consequently, the Board of Pensions is strongly considering a partnership with Wespath and OneExchange to provide a health care solution for Medicare eligible retirees beginning in 2019. To be eligible for participation in the OneExchange model, California-Nevada Medicare eligible retirees must be enrolled in one of our conference health plans for 2018. For more information about Wespath and the OneExchange model, you can visit the following website: https://www.wespath.org/center-for-health/plans/oneexchange/. We will also be hosting a series of conference events over the next few months to provide more details about this potential transition.
The Annual Conference Open Enrollment for retiree health insurance takes place during the months of October and November. During the open enrollment period, you can enroll in (or return to) either Blue Shield plan (HMO or PPO) or our United Healthcare plan. Enrollment in Kaiser Senior Advantage is available throughout the year for those individuals who have Medicare Parts A and B and live within the plan’s service area. Contact the Board of Pensions office if you would like to enroll in a plan or change plans by November 17, 2017. Enrollment additions/changes will take effect on January 1, 2018.
Included with this mailing are copies of the 2018 retiree health plan benefit comparison and the respective premium rates. Please note that the premiums shown apply for those who served twenty or more years in the California-Nevada Annual Conference and are eligible for the full premium subsidy: $3,800 for a single; $7,600 for a couple. The source of the subsidy is from a generous Endowment Board contribution.
MetLife continues as our Dental Insurance Provider for 2018. Vision care is provided through Medical Eye Services for both Blue Shield plans and the Kaiser HMO plan (materials only).
Please contact our office at (916) 913-1049 or email bop@bopumc.net if you have any questions about the Conference health plans or would like to request enrollment forms. No action is necessary if you do not want to make any change; your enrollment will remain the same.