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Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System 2013 Updates. Today’s Discussion. Impacts of Passing of Senate Bill 1040 LivingWell Health Assessment Turning age 65 Medicare Plus Blue Group Highlights Top Tips to Avoiding the Emergency Room Using the bcbsm.com/mpsers website
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Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System2013 Updates
Today’s Discussion • Impacts of Passing of Senate Bill 1040 • LivingWell Health Assessment • Turning age 65 • Medicare Plus Blue Group Highlights • Top Tips to Avoiding the Emergency Room • Using the bcbsm.com/mpsers website • Questions and Answers
Impacts of Passing of Senate Bill 1040 • Premium Increase Effective 1/1/2013 for BCBSM • Non-Medicare Retirees • Currently pay an amount equal to Medicare Part B premium. • The retiree health care premium share will be 20% of the total. • Non-Medicare Spouses and Other Dependents • Currently pay an amount equal to Medicare Part B premium. • The dependent health care premium share will be 20% of the total.
Impacts of Passing of Senate Bill 1040 • Premium Increase Effective 1/1/2013 for BCBSM • Medicare Retirees • Currently pay $12. • The retiree health care premium share will be: • 10% if the retiree is Medicare eligible and is enrolled in MPSERS coverage on 1/1/2013. • 20% if the retiree is Medicare eligible after 1/1/2013 or enrolls in MPSERS coverage after 1/1/2013. • Medicare Spouses and Other Dependents • Currently pay $12. • The dependent health care premium share will be: • 10% if the dependent is Medicare eligible and is enrolled in MPSERS coverage on 1/1/2013. • 20% if the dependent is Medicare eligible after 1/1/2013 or enrolls in MPSERS coverage after 1/1/2013.
Impacts of Passing of Senate Bill 1040 • Premium Increase Effective 1/1/2013 for Dental/Vision • All Retirees, Spouses, and Other Dependents • Currently pay 10%. • The Dental/Vision premium share will be: • 10% if the covered participant is 65 or over and enrolled in MPSERS coverage on 1/1/2013. • 20% if the covered participant is not both 65 and enrolled in dental/vision coverage on 1/1/13.
LivingWell Program Updates • Health Assessments were mailed in mid-October 2012 and are due by December 1st 2012 to qualify for the program for 2013.
When you become Medicare-eligible • You become eligible for Medicare when you reach age 65 or become permanently disabled. • Be sure to enroll in both Parts A and B of Medicare. Part B is required for enrollment in Medicare Plus Blue Group PPO. • Blue Cross will send you a letter 90 days prior to your 65th birthday requesting your Medicare information. Complete the letter and return timely for Medicare Plus Blue Group enrollment. • Store your red, white and blue Medicare card in a safe place. You will only use your Medicare Plus Blue Group ID card once you are enrolled.
Medicare Plus Blue Group Highlights • Medicare Parts A and B combined with your Retirement System coverage • One BCBSM ID card • One toll-free telephone number and dedicated member services center • Choose from a nationwide network of providers or use any provider who accepts Original Medicare • Preventive services are covered • Providers receive one combined payment
Top Tips to Avoid the Emergency Room • Establish a relationship with your physician. • Complete a personal medical record for each member of your family and keep it handy as a quick reference. • Call your physician for advice if you have an injury or illness that requires immediate attention. • Consider if a visit to your physician or an urgent care facility might be an appropriate place to go for immediate treatment of conditions that are not life-threatening.
Top Tips to Avoid the Emergency Room • For conditions that are not life-threatening and do not need immediate care, try to get a same-day or next-day appointment with your doctor. • Establish a plan with your family and physician for what to do in emergency situations. • Use your physician or an urgent care center for non-emergency conditions such as colds, flu, minor burns, fever, sprains and sore throats. • See your physician for regular checkups to prevent or detect conditions early.
Is there any advantage to having two supplemental insurance policies? • If you are enrolled in Medicare Plus Blue Group PPO, there is no reason to purchase an additional supplemental insurance plan (i.e., Medigap Plan) • Medicare will only reimburse one plan and Medicare Advantage is primary
Hearing Benefit • Every 36 months • Deductible and coinsurance apply • Audiometric exam • Conformity test • Visit any hearing provider that will bill insurance for the service • First time purchaser must see doctor • Two hearing aids are covered when purchased on the same day
Your New Medicare Advantage Identification Card • Arriving in December 2012 • Each individual enrolled in the MA plan still gets their own card with their own name on it • Old Prefix – XYO; New Prefix – XYL • Phone numbers removed from back of card per CMS mandate
Contact us • Customer Service1-800-422-9146 • Dedicated web sitebcbsm.com/mpsers • To find a provider outside of Michigan 1-800-810-BLUE (810-2583)
Helpful Information • To contact our 24-hour Nurse Hotline 1-800-775-2583 • To find an Urgent Care Facility 1-800-422-9146 Or visit our website atwww.bcbsm.com