2017 open enrollment wrap-up
For the pre-Medicare and Medicare retiree
By Heather Drago, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System
May 16, 2017 — Let’s take a step back to reflect on 2017 open enrollment and provide a few fast facts about medical plan selections. Below is information about the OPERS Retiree Health Plan as well as top picks made by OPERS Medicare-eligible retirees as reported by OneExchange.
The OPERS Retiree Health Plan
Overall, about 8 percent of pre-Medicare plan participants made a change to existing medical coverage by either adding or dropping coverage for a spouse or dependent.
Top selections made by OPERS Medicare-eligible retirees, reported by OneExchange
Approximately 95 percent of our population chose to remain enrolled in their 2016 medical and pharmacy plan(s) that automatically carried over into 2017. This means that only about 5 percent changed plans for 2017 coverage. As of Jan. 1, here were the top plans for the OPERS Medicare population:
Top medical plans by insurance carrier:
- Medical Mutual
- AARP United Healthcare
- The Health Plan
- Humana
Top Medigap plan types:
- Medigap Plan F
- Medigap Plan N
- Medigap Plan G
Top prescription insurance carriers:
- Humana
- SilverScript
- AARP United Healthcare
Plan participants should not be concerned if the insurance carrier they selected is not listed as a top pick among OPERS retirees. Plans are selected based on personal needs and carrier availability, as coverage varies by region.
Questions about claims or plan specific details? Contact the carrier.
Questions about the HRA? Contact OneExchange at 1-844-287-9945.
Will medical plan participants be seeing an increase in the HRA amount in the future? Annual increases in plan premiums are eating away at the HRA.
Thank you for your inquiry. The Board will consider potential adjustments to the HRA amount next year. If there are changes, we will communicate accordingly, including via board notices which are posted on our website.
Thanks,
OPERS
Thanks very much for posting this information! I find it helpful.
Could you explain what effect the dismantling of the current ACA and the lack of a new program
as of this moment is going to have on retiree’s health exchange system, if any effect?
Like you, Barbara, we are watching closely what is happening in Washington on the health care front. No one is sure yet what changes will be made to the Affordable Care Act or when those changes will go into effect. We’ll keep you posted once we know more.
Thanks,
Julie, OPERS