TCU will maintain the current level of investment in retiree medical health care through an alternative method of accessing coverage. On June 1, 2013, the current medical and pharmacy plans with CARES and Secure Horizons (UHC Medicare Advantage) will end for individuals who are Medicare primary retirees. However, utilizing a special, tax-free account called a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) account, TCU will continue to provide the same monthly benefit dollars, $202.72 per retiree and $202.72 per eligible dependent, based on the same eligibility as in the past. Medicare primary retirees will have the opportunity to choose from a large number of insurance carriers and select a supplemental or Advantage insurance plan that best fits their medical and prescription needs. Retirees who are not Medicare primary will remain with CARES until they turn 65.
To assist with this transition, TCU is partnering with Extend Health, the largest supplemental and Medicare Advantage insurance exchange in the country, to help Medicare primary retirees navigate the change in benefits and make informed and confident decisions. In fact, Extend Health offers lifetime advocacy through a dedicated customer service team to troubleshoot for Medicare primary retirees should they have challenges with their medical insurance carrier, Medicare or anything else related to health insurance. More information about Extend Health is available at www.extendhealth.com/tcu or by phone at 1-888-429-8490.
If you have questions, call Tracy Thompson at ext. 5017. An FAQ about Extend Health is available on TCU’s Human Resources website at www.hr.tcu.edu.
