Health Insurance
Great News about your TRF sponsored Anthem Health Plan!
Note: This applies to TRF members only.
You will be very pleased to know that the packets for Anthem’s annual renewal of the Anthem Health Plan (backing up Medicare A and B) were mailed out the week of February 5th, 2013 to all current Anthem members and also to retirees who might be interested in joining during the annual Open Enrollment. Here are some highlights:
- The renewal rate for May 1, 2013 will not change from the rate we had in place during the prior contract year.
- There are no changes to the benefit design provided by Anthem.
- Retirees who are currently on the plan are automatically renewed for May 1, 2013 unless Anthem is notified otherwise.
- Retirees who did not join the plan when originally eligible may join for a May 1, 2013 effective date by completing the application form in the packet; this is mailed directly back to Anthem in the envelope provided.
- Remember that the basic benefit is built on a Medicare Supplement Plan F, and then a Million Dollar Major Medical is added for excess expenses, along with an Anthem Blue Vision Plan. These additional benefits to Plan F are available because the TRF sponsored Anthem plan is a group plan—not an Individual Plan.
- The plan works anywhere in the United States--- many retirees live full time in states outside Indiana.
- The program does not include Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage—members need to purchase that separately from the range of choices offered and approved in their state of residence. If you are joining during open enrollment, you should keep the Part D plan you now have.
In addition, if you have questions or need clarification on the program you may call the consultant, Gayle Byers, on the Hot Line (317 691 3170) or email him directly at glbyersconsulting@gmail.com.
FAQ’s About The TRF Sponsored Anthem Health Care Plan
The TRF sponsored Anthem Health Care Plan has been in place for over 35 years serving Indiana retired educators. Please find answers to some frequently asked questions below:
- The TRF sponsored Anthem Medical and Vision program is a group plan; therefore, it does not have an open enrollment period at the end of each year as do individual, standardized supplement plans that are offered by many insurance companies. The open enrollment period is May 1 each year for retirees who did not join the plan at their natural eligibility time (either at age 65 or when leaving a group school program at a later age).
- Anthem sends packets of information out to all retirees before the first part of March each year—this packet contains renewal information for those already on the plan, and enrollment applications for those retirees who wish to join for a May 1 effective date. There are no medical questions or preexisting clauses attached to joining during open enrollment.
- The plan is built on the standardized Medicare Supplement Plan F; then a million dollar Major Medical (for expenses that are not fully covered under the base program) and a Blue Vision Plan are added—and included in the premium.
- The plan does not include prescription drug coverage; retirees in the program must purchase a separate, stand-alone Medicare Part D—and that can be provided by any Medicare Part D provider that is approved in the State of Indiana, including Anthem.
- Retirees are not required to have a membership in IRTA (Indiana Retired Teachers Association) in order to join the Anthem plan—IRTA is a totally separate organization.
- To accommodate premium receipt and save money on mailing, INPRS takes your monthly premium amount out of retirement checks and sends directly to Anthem.
- There is no network connected to the plan. As long as a provider accepts Medicare, the plan coordinates. This is what enables so many of the retirees to live in other states after retirement—the plan works whether you are in Indiana or elsewhere. If you are going to be a permanent resident of another state, however, you will need to purchase your Medicare Part D plan from a vendor approved in your state of residence.
- The plan is a full service program; there is no Medicare Advantage option. Should you choose to purchase a Medicare Advantage plan, make sure you look carefully at the network of hospitals and physician providers that you will be required to use.
Do you have questions or need more information?
- Anthem has a totally separate eligibility and customer service unit at their Indianapolis office to serve TRF members. The Customer Service numbers are on the back of your Medical card. The Vision card, which you also receive with membership, has information on how to find a Blue Vision Provider by using the Internet.
Your Anthem Customer Service Representative for retired teachers is ready to assist you at:
1-866-649-2041
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. EST - Additionally, there is a TRF Hot Line where members may call for clarification or more information. That number is (317) 691-3170. Retirees may also send questions to email at glbyersconsulting@gmail.com. In both cases the consultant, Mr. Gayle Byers, responds to all inquiries. Please leave your name, address, telephone number and the nature of your question.
