By Patricia Anstett, Detroit Free Press
Jul. 17–Here are answers to commonly asked questions about health benefit changes for salaried General Motors Corp. retirees and their surviving spouses.
QUESTION: What changes did GM announce?
ANSWER: Beginning Jan. 1, retirees and spouses 65 or older and their dependents no longer will receive company group health benefits. Instead, they will receive a $300-a-month per retiree taxable contribution to their pensions. If a family has two GM retirees, the monthly contribution would be $600.
Q: What happens to spouses or salaried GM retirees who aren’t 65?
A: They will continue to be covered in GM’s salaried health plan until they turn 65, when they would lose coverage. Then each would need to find a Medicare plan.
Q: I am retired or retiring but not yet 65. When will my health care coverage be canceled?
A: The first day of the month that you turn 65. If you turn 65 on the first day of the month, coverage will cancel the first day of the prior month, consistent with Medicare eligibility guidelines.
Q. What are some of the most important things to consider when looking for a health plan, beyond what I want to spend?
A: The three essential issues are:
–Do you want to keep your current doctor network? If you do, you may have fewer plan choices.
–What prescription drugs do you take? Prescription drug coverage varies widely among insurance plans. So if you have to take a brand-name drug, check to see whether it is covered.
–Do you spend more than one month away from your Michigan home? If you do, you may be best with a company that has a wide provider network for emergency and urgent care visits. Schedule your routine prevention care and doctor visits when you are home in Michigan.
Q: I find Medicare coverage confusing. Give it to me in a nutshell.
A: Medicare provides basic hospitalization and some doctor and outpatient coverage. You have to buy a plan for everything else, such as prescription drug coverage. If you don’t travel much, you might find what you need in a Medicare Advantage plan, which provides a range of prevention and prescription coverage. But purchasing a Supplemental Medicare plan, also known as Medigap coverage, and a Part D prescription plan may be a more affordable options for others. Ask for price comparisons. Get the information in writing.
Q: I already have been diagnosed with a chronic health problem. Can I get a Medicare plan?
A: Yes, but it may cost you more if you wait too long to sign up. After about March 1, only Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan or Medicare Advantage plans must provide coverage to you if you have a preexisting health condition. Bills to require all insurers to cover people with preexisting conditions are being debated in the Legislature.
Contact PATRICIA ANSTETT at 313-222-5021 or [email protected].
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