Prepping for OneExchange enrollment call
The Ohio Public Employees Retirement System has released the October health care chat with OPERS Health Care Director Marianne Steger.
This month Steger provides tips for the OPERS Medicare Connector enrollment call.
You can click here to access the video, which we’ve posted on our YouTube channel.
Michael Pramik
Michael Pramik is communication strategist for the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System and editor of the PERSpective blog. As an experienced business journalist, he clarifies complex pension policies and helps members make smart choices to secure their retirement.
Mike,
I am a retired PERS employee in my mid seventies on Medicare. I would like an answer to the following questions:
(1) What happens if the insurance carrier I choose now for 2016 does not renew its contract with One Exchange for the year 2017?
(2) If that occurs and I choose to stay with the 2016 carrier, do I have to forfeit my PERS HRA reimbusements for 2017?
(3) If that occurs do I lose my guaranteed right for insurance coverage if I switch to a different carrier with contracts with One Exchange for the year 2017?
It appears that for future years we Medicare retirees are at the mercy of One Exchange in that we must select from those companies that One Exchange chooses to contract with and which myself or PERS has no say in the contract choices.
Jim,
Here are answers to your questions:
1.) If a carrier ends a contract, OneExchange still supports the plans. If the carrier ends the plan, you will need to enroll in a new plan.
2.) Although OneExchange would continue to support the plan, you would need to be enrolled in a medical plan through the exchange to retain access to your HRA.
3.) If the carrier ends the plan you would have guaranteed issue to enroll in a new plan through OneExchange. But if you leave a plan and choose another, underwriting may apply.
OneExchange contracts with more than 100 carriers and regularly adds new carriers.
–Ohio PERS
I need help as I’m all confused. I am not eligible for Medicaid Part A. I have been told to do the following: 1) Log into OPERS Account; 2) Go To Retires Not Eligible for Part A; 3) then re-enroll in Humana. Here’s the problem – – there is no step 2 for those not eligible for Part A. What next? ? ?
Steven,
Please call us at 800-222-7377, and a Member Services representative can help you.
–Ohio PERS
Be sure to do your homework. Theses are not “counselors” in any sense. Do they have a little training in insurance? – I assume so. But the people I talked to were SALESPEOPLE and I’m sure it’s just a higher end call center. Their job is to sell you something their company gets a percentage of.
The first person I got tried to push the “F” plans and didn’t really answer questions. Her selling point was that I got this allowance. But with Medicare B payment and picking up a drug plan, it really isn’t that much. She obviously couldn’t really help me make a decision.
The second was very nice but couldn’t really tell me more than what I had on the screen. I had it up and, well, I can read. So I didn’t purchase during my “appointment”. I will do some more research and hopefully get someone with more knowledge and stronger critical skills next time. Just know that it is completely on you.
I don’t disagree with going through a jobber – it will give OPERS a modicum of control. Just don’t expect them to be much more than a commercial call center. Again, do YOUR homework!
Soon to be under the Connector I have chosen to remain with my vision and dental coverage being under OPERS. In that respect here’s my question…How can I obtain a receipt from OPERS that my monthly premiums have been deducted as payments in order to be able to file for a reimbursement from the soon to be new Automatic Reimbursement Plan? Thank you
Dennis,
You can use your online account or call us at 800-222-7377 to request a receipt.
–Ohio PERS
I continue to try to get to this website in order to view “My Account” & update my “Personal Profile”. I have not succeeded. Please help!
Kathleen,
Give us a call at 800-222-7377 and we will work with you to solve your issue.
–Ohio PERS
I checked medicare.gov and the Ohio Dept. of Insurance (OSHIIP) websites to find out which companies offered Plan F in my ZIP code. There were 35 companies listed. However, the OneExchange website offers only 6 to choose from. Here are my questions:
1. Why only 6?
2. Who selected these 6?
3. Why not any of the other 29?
4. If the “licensed agents” don’t get a commission, does the OneExchange/TowersWatson company get a commission or some other compensation for just using these providers?
5. Am I misunderstanding something?
GMC,
OneExchange does not plan to include every plan that’s available in each area. It has certain criteria that carriers need to meet in order for them to be represented. They include the ability to send and receive electronic files, stability in pricing and excellent customer service. Also, not every provider wants to participate in public or private exchanges.
You can get more information from OneExchange on this topic: 844-287-9945.
–Ohio PERS
As you answered GMC–“OneExchange does not plan to include every plan that’s available in each area”–then I would like to know–what happens if the insurance company I choose now(which would currently have a contract with OneExchange) for my insurance coverage for 2016 does not contract with OneExchange for the year 2017? (either by its choice or OneExchanges choice).
The contracts that OneExchange has for carriers are for several years, not year-to-year. They tell us they have never had a carrier leave the exchange voluntarily. If they did, participants could continue the plan and OneExchange would continue to service it. OneExchange just would not sell any new plans for the carrier.
If OneExchange were to remove an insurance company, it would continue to service existing plans. If the insurer were to no longer support a particular plan, it would have to follow Medicare guidelines and offer a comparable plan.
–Ohio PERS
I am on hold with One Exchange. Again. I called three times today (after purchasing a drug plan and Plan F last week.) I called OPERS last week and expressed my great satisfaction with One Exchange. This week — after receiving my letter from the drug plan, it is a different story.
I don’t believe that the Benefits Advisor who “sold” me the plan last Monday told me that for the first 90-day supply of an expensive med, I would be writing the pharmacy a check for the full deductible, $360! Deductible in the drug plan to me meant deductible in a medical insurance plan. Not an expense to be met all at once in the first transaction. As someone who did everything OPERS asked of me to prepare for my purchases, if you explained this, I missed it. You will have to agree that we have been asked to absorb a lot over the past few months.
I watched all the U-tube presentations and took the OPERS webinar and the Towers Watson one, too.
I called the drug plan about five times throughout Saturday and Sunday and was given five different out-of-pocket costs for my expensive generic med: $3 for 90 days; $6 for 90 days; $141 for 30 days (I asked for 90-days); $360 for 90 days the first time, then $6 after that; $513 at retail store for my expensive med (even tho the deductible was only $360!!! LOL!!!
Medicare said the drug plan didn’t know what it was talking about. The drug plan said Medicare didn’t know. A Medicare supervisor said that my expensive generic med would put me in the doughnut hole by April next year. I told her that you did not go into the doughnut hole for each individual medicine…..and then I finally told her she was nice, but she made less sense than some of the others and we hung up.
I was on the telephone 4 hours last Monday buying the Plan F and the Part D. Four more hours calling back and forth between Medicare and the plan yesterday; Another hour talking to the plan Saturday night. I made four or so more calls to Towers Watson today to get to a benefits advisor who met the following requirements:
1. speak with confidence
2. English be his/her native language.
For this (and I did ask respectfully)I have been put on hold for long waits and had no one come back to the phone. So I call again. Answer the same questions again. Say I want an advisor who speaks English as his/her native language.
Not all of the “licensed” benefits counselors are created equal.
I don’t know what you have paid Towers Watson for their expertise in helping us get the best benefits to meet our particular needs.
A supervisor is now helping me — but he is not licensed in Ohio!!! So he has to get someone who is licensed in Ohio. To compare the drug plan I purchased with two which Medicare recommended might be better suited for me. Even though I explained to him that I do not wait for phone calls (I have a busy schedule for a retiree…) I had no choice but to wait for his call-back with a licensed-in-OH advisor.
It was that or keep a plan which might not be the best for me.
Or maybe it will be
I have not had a good experience.
JA
Towers Watson supervisor called me back and said that he is convinced that the plan I originally chose — despite the $360 outlay for the first bottle of meds — (360 is the deductible) is the right one for me and that I will be happy with it. He compared it to the two I asked him to look at and said it will save me money. Up for grabs is whether or not I will indeed be able to get 90-day supplies or not. The TW employee who sold me the plan called the plan and asked directly if 90-days was permitted and the plan rep said yes. So…..as long as we got a knowledgeable plan rep…..good to go.
90-days is important to me because it is more efficient.
So I guess I have made the right choices for me — but — I maintain that not all of the call takers and benefit connectors are equally competent. Because much of my public service was spent answering phones or waiting on people in-person, I can usually tell who will be good (confidence in their answers and demeanor) and who is floundering. With decisions we are making in the purchase of our health care, we really do deserve the best and floundering is not an option.
Best of luck to all those who need to make their purchases yet and for those who get correspondence in the mail look over it like I did. You might be surprised. Hopefully the surprise will be pleasant.
JA
I couldn’t agree more. I feel duped
Have been reading all material I have received. I am confused about all these insurance companies outside of Humana. Now I am getting information that Medical Mutual is available. AARP My call is this Friday Oct. 23 Isn’t anything out of opers health care be hard to get back to OPERSl Also, One of the hospitals I have been going to, sent letter that they will not be excepting Humana Medicare Advantage I thought we won’t have Humana available to us. I want to be informed before my call this Friday
Linda,
It’s important that you have your list of physicians and medications available when you make the call to OneExchange so the advisor can find coverage you will be comfortable with.
–Ohio PERS
I had my enrollment call today at 10:30 and finished at 2:15. Two of the hrs. were spent on hold. I had to call back three times because they were experiencing technical difficulties which meant I had to start over from the beginning because they couldn’t connect me to the rep i previously spoke to. Definitely not like the OPERS connector call video. The benefit advisors were friendly and knowledgable but the system was not what you would expect One Exchange. Hope they get the bugs worked out for the rest of you
We are being told by OneConnect (after two hours or more) that if a current Humana Medicare covered beneficiary also has Medicaid then they cannot enroll through OneConnect and to contact the Medicaid caseworker for him/her to select a plan. The caseworker has no knowledge of this. Nothing on the website, in the webinar, or anywhere else does it address this issue. Please advise.
Cstewart,
We recommend that you ask the benefit advisor to reach out to the caseworker as needed. Provide a phone number.
–Ohio PERS
Guess good comments are well worth while reading as those in the opposite direction. I must admit I was quite skeptical as how my wife’s and my own enrollment in medical coverage was going to workout in the end, especially when not able to talk face to face such as dealing with the One Exchange. Although it took two hours for each of us to complete it’s understandable for the accuracy. Were both pleased to say our enrollments in Medigap F and our Plan D with our insurance plans have already been approved to start January 1, 2016. The rest of the basic needs now lies in the hands of the insurance companies not our worries.
I would point out one major thing…I have had the opportunity to speak with several senior aged OPERS retirees who are over 65 and have Medicare A and B. I’ve explained the simplicity of calling the One Exchange phone number as time in itself is running short. These individuals haven’t even opened their packets or other mail pertaining to the change effecting their coverage. Their general comments to me have been to the effect of saying “I’m not worried OPERS will take care of me”. Please clearly explain their need to complete their enrollment in One Connector through One Exchange by December 7, 2015. I’ve even expressed they can have someone help them, but it fails to sink in. Thank you
Dennis,
Thanks for your comment. Actually, participants have until Dec. 31 to choose a plan.
–Ohio PERS
Well yes be prepared to be on the phone up to and over three hours. Be prepared to be put on hold so they can find and answer to your questions because they are not trained properly. I find this highly nerve racking for the older population to go through. Thanks Opers for putting me on hold and now waiting for a return call of about two hours. I think it would have been more productive to have a room setup for the OneExchange Company to have their people here where we could have had a one on one appointment and done all this with a face to face with them to pick our plans. I don’t know what else to say only that this is putting a strain on a lot of people. I have talked to a few of other former employees and they all agree. We have been put in a position that does not make much sense. Also some of the questions asked were not helpful in picking a plan. Lets just say also I was told yesterday we might not see our first reimbursement for up to two or three months. I hope I made the right choices for myself; only time will tell.
Is there more than 6 plans in the megap plans from OE?
David,
The number of plans varies based on location.
–Ohio PERS
I have made numerous calls to One Exchange with questions. I have been on hold for lengthy periods. I have spoken with representatives who were unorganized, not knowledgeable and difficult to understand. I do not have a hearing problem. I am very disappointed in this process. I would like to caution others to research extensively and ask lots of questions before making a decision. The last person I spoke with was very knowledgeable and helpful. I have made my selections but am dreading the enrollment call because of the fear that I will get one of the not too “helpful” representatives. This should not be made this difficult for us!!!
I’m thinking this OneExchange is a scam. OPERS is giving me a $396 allowance but I pay the Insurance policy of $152 out of my pocket and OneExchange is going to send me $234 reimbursement. That means I’m actually paying $304 for my insurance. My question is who’s getting the kick backs?
Joel,
The way it actually works is this: We give you an allowance, you choose your health care plan and OneExchange reimburses you for your premiums and other qualified expenses. Any of the funds in your reimbursement account that you do not use in a particular month carry over to the next month and will keep building until you submit a reimbursement request for them.
–Ohio PERS
The most important thing you can do BEFORE your One Exchange call is to do extensive research into all your options. Be proactive. Yes, it takes time, but it is time well-spent. There are many online resources–both government (Medicare.gov.) and insurance company websites. There are many blogs on Medicare plans and expert answers. If the internet is not your thing, then read all of the material that is mailed to you by OPERS and even the mail by the various insurance companies providing plans. Understand your options before the call. The easiest plan for them to sell is Plan F because it covers everything. You would be surprised how many reps are not even aware that in Ohio “excess charges” are not allowed, so Plan N is a viable and cheaper option for many Ohio retirees. I agree with those who have had both positive and negative experiences because quite honestly it is a “crapshoot” whether you get an experienced rep or not. In my opinion it is best to rely on your own research and use the rep to confirm your own understanding of your choices. BTW when a rep says he is checking with a supervisor he is probably just asking the people in other cubicles if they know the answer. This first year will be the hardest for you and them, so make sure you understand exactly what you want and what you are signing up for. My wife and I spent many hours researching and debating the pros and cons of various plans but we knew it was necessary to get the plan that was best for our circumstances. You know “you” best! Have faith in your own ability to choose. It might have been easier when OPERS gave us Medicare retirees only one choice, but remember easier is not always better.
Thank you for explaining a little better. Until I read your response, I was kinda being coreced to
accept Plan F. Upon checking it seems for an Ohio resident (like me) the avg monthly payment is MUCH LESS. And the benefits better. ( But it also says for people 70-74.) I’m 65, and retired from the State of Ohio thru DRC.
I am helping my sister select coverage, is she allowed to select age attained coverage if she has been on medicare for several years now? If she is allowed how do you determine if this is best?
Linda,
That’s a question that you should direct to OneExchange: 844-287-9945.
–Ohio PERS
If I enroll in a Medigap plan for 2016, and decided I want to switch to a Medicare Advantage plan in 2017 – can I do this? Does it matter if I reside/vote in Kentucky?
Would I have to undergo medical underwriting to switch to the Medicare Advantage plan in 2017?
Sharon,
You can make that switch without underwriting, but realize that your Medigap plan won’t work with the Advantage plan. For instance, your Medigap policy can’t be used to pay your Medicare Advantage Plan copayments, deductibles and premiums. If you have a Medigap policy and join a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C), you may want to drop your Medigap policy.
Also, if you had a Medigap policy in the past then left it to get a Medicare Advantage plan, when you return to Original Medicare, you might not be able to get the same Medigap policy back. In some cases you might not be able to get any Medigap policy unless you have a “trial right” or “guaranteed issue” right.
Contact Medicare for more information.
–Ohio PERS
Since OPERS first announced the health insurance change for 2016, I thoroughly read all of the emails and printed information, viewed the videos, webinars and seminars, and did all of my homework prior to my enrollment call last October 29. I also spent lots of time on the One Exchange website comparing the plans that seemed right for me. I even called Humana to confirm that my doctors were “in-network” for the specific plan I was considering. So when I made my enrollment call, I was confident that the benefit advisor would review my options, consider my opinions, fill in the missing information that did not appear on the One Exchange website, and thoughtfully recommend a plan for me. Unfortunately, that enrollment call was nothing like what I expected. I started my conversation by telling him that I was interested in a Medicare Advantage Plan and was 99% sure that I wanted a PPO. Without asking me what parts of the plan were important to me, he said, “Well I can get you into a Medical Mutual Plan for $39 per month.” That’s it? Where is all the knowledge and expertise that my benefit advisor is supposed to use to help me choose a plan that contains the coverage and details that are most important to me? The advisor seemed rushed and did not speak very confidently. When I brought up the name of the plan I was considering, he said, “Why would you want to pick a plan that had none of your doctors in your network?” I told him that I believed his information was wrong, and until I could research this more carefully, I was not prepared to enroll that day. He then urged me to just sign up for a MediGap plan, as all doctors accept those plans. He said he could enroll me in a Plan F. When I told him that I certainly would not be enrolling in any MediGap plans until I’ve research those plans, he encouraged me to sign up for the Plan F that day and said I could always change plans before the deadline if I found out that my doctors were in the network of my plan of choice. I ended our phone call without committing to any health plan. I spoke to a Humana rep again that day, and he confirmed that my doctors are, in fact, in my network. So I called One Exchange back and thankfully did not get the same benefits advisor. This second advisor confirmed that my doctors were in the network of the plan of my choice and admitted to me that sometimes there are “bugs” in the One Exchange website that might not give correct information. She told me that she always confirms her information by going to the insurance company’s website. So I eventually signed up for a plan, but not without feeling very disappointed that One Exchange wasn’t the helping hand it was advertised to be.
If I enroll in a Medigap plan for 2016 but decide to switch to a Medicare Advantage plan in 2017, will I have to deal with medical underwriting?
Sharon,
No, you won’t. Moving from a Medigap plan to a Medicare Advantage plan does not involve underwriting.
–Ohio PERS
I am not yet retired but probably will be in the next few years. I’ve been reading these posts and feel that this is an almost frightening situation.
When checking on the websites of our top Medigap policy choices that we are considering, we find that the rate they quote is higher than the rate shown on the OneExchange website on two of the plans. The third plan does not show my county of residence as eligible for their coverage but it is offered as an option on One Exchange. We are trying to evaluate how each company raises their rates over time since all that seems to be available are attained age plans. Since One Exchange and the direct company websites do not match, how will we be able to reasonably compare policies for the best value? Our call date with One Exchange in early December. Thank you.
Nancy,
The quote that you receive directly from the carrier might not be “guaranteed issue,” which means your application would be subject to medical underwriting and could be rejected. The plans on OneExchange are guaranteed issue.
OneExchange quotes the standard rate, which does not reflect available household discounts. The carrier will apply those discounts when they issue the application.
Also, the coverages available through OneExchange are designed to provide the standardized Medicare supplement benefits at a price point that will permit lower overall rate increases in the long run.
–Ohio PERS
4 calls yesterday and today. Avg. time to first person….15 minutes. After confirming info I’d already supplied, I was told I was being transferred to a benefits adviser…..I ended up on hold for another 32 minutes. I went to the seminar. I did what I was asked to do….entered info into an online acct., made an appt. for the call (that was a complete insult as it took 55 minutes to reach a BA when I called), and overall was still treated like cr@&. Did not talk long yesterday with the BA, as I had to be somewhere, had allowed over an hour, but was right at the hour mark when I finally reached the BA. Called today, reached a BA, and was appalled. This person couldn’t find, ummm, well, her chair with both hands. Could not answer most of my questions, kept saying “well the program says this plan would fit you best.” Lady, what if I am content with paying certain expenses out of pocket, and these are my concerns? “Well I don’t know, it says this plan would suit you best.” It was like talking to a magic 8 ball. For the first time ever I really feel that OPERS sold us out. I would much rather be left on my own. I have zero confidence these people know anymore than I do and after the chaos of my non-appointment and the absurd hold times (I did speak with a supervisor who said they could not have possibly known how many calls they would get. Yeah. Right. Let’s see….how many Medicare eligible retirees….) it is apparent they have no regard or respect for us. Shame on you, OPERS Board.
TY for the information
My husband and I ( I’m the OPERS member) had our call on Friday. You must do your homework before the call – I can’t stress this enough. Don’t expect the benefits advisor to be much a of guide. The benefits advisor could repeat the details he saw from his view of the data but I didn’t think he could give expert advice. We had problems deciding between Medigap and MA plans, and he was not much help in providing any professional and helpful as she guided each of us through the entrollment process. We both ultimately chose the same Medigap plan and a separate drug plan. The entire process took two hours, and we were exhausted by its conclusion. In sum, “let the buyer beware”.
Both my wife and I went through the OneExchange connector process. We both applied for the same Part D and Medigap policies. Her application went through with no problems. My Medigap did not. I called OneExchange twice to find out what happened to my Medigap application and was told everything was OK. I ask to have the person that submitted my application call me but never receive a callback. I finally called the Medigap company and with a lot of effort found out that my application had been received but wasn’t processed and wasn’t going to be (I have no idea why). I solved the problem myself because the OneExchange people told me they had no way to contact the suppliers. So beware if application process doesn’t work correctly OneExchange will probably not be any help. OneExchange still doesn’t show that my application has been approved. I have no idea how to get that fixed.
I called OneExchange again because my status on their WEB site still shows my Medigap pending. I ask if that would effect my automatic re-embursement? OneExchange said they would write a ticket for their “Problem Resolution Department” and I would hear back in 48 hours. That was a week ago, haven’t heard a word.
Just finished my connector call. It was a big disappointment! Had done my homework and knew which plan I thought I wanted for medical. I was very unsure and had lots of wonderings regarding which drug plan to choose. The licensed expert seemed to know nothing and was just interested in being done with me. I asked questions anyway and she was very unknowledgeable. She did not know anything about OPERS’s prior health plan. I asked her what “issue age-related” meant and she said that it didn’t mean anything (untrue. I have read its better to have this). A big question I have is why prescription drug plans vary so much in cost. She really had no answer to this either. She did say that some people take more expensive drugs. Well I want to be prepared for that. She said just have your doctor write a letter and they will cover it. This was a poor expenditure of OPERS funds. I would not recommend this company to anyone. I think its the expert who needs to be recorded rather than the person who signs you up (who by the way was fine.)
When I call OneExchange, I am often placed on hold for upwards of 1/2 hour before I am put in contact with an agent who can answer questions. Is there anything that OPERS can do to reduce the long wait times incurred by members when contacting OneExchange?
Also, my enrollment call lasted over 3 hours because I spoke, during about 2-1/2 hours of that call, with an unlicensed representative who was unable to answer basic and fundamental questions. The representative expressly stated that she was unlicensed and therefore could not answer my questions. I was surprised that she was not licensed, because the OPERS brochures all stated that OPERS members would be speaking with licensed reps at OneExchange, yet that was not my experience. I do not fault the representative with whom I spoke, but I do fault OneExchange for hiring untrained representatives.
Jean,
There are various representatives at OneExchange. But everyone who signs up will speak with a licensed benefit advisor. We’re sorry you had a bad experience. We work with OneExchange to monitor these calls closely, and they are continually striving to improve the quality of their representatives.
–Ohio PERS
i just want to pass on some info that may save money to others who have already signed up with a medicare plan from One Exchange. After I received my plan contract i noticed there was a “household discount” (2 plans in the same household) available but One Exch. did not apply this for me and my wife. The insurance co. did apply this discount when I asked about it. This saved me $240 a year. Maybe others could save too.
What company offers this?
Cigna thru American Retirement Life
Took your advice and called connector people, they told me attained age coverage is the same as regular plan, when I asked to speak to a supervisor was told none were available, so I asked for another person she told me she was sorry that I did not understand, help, we made a plan selection but I am worried is it the right choice over the long term.
Agreed. I am unsure about the drug coverage I chose. Wanted answers but they did not know anything. Sorry OPERS wasted money on them.
I too was placed on hold for approx. two hours before I got transferred to a “specialty benefit counselor”. Only to be told that my mother could not be signed up for a Medicare plan because she is also eligible for Medicaid. She has Alzheimer’s. Now what?
Delores,
The OneExchange Special Situations team includes benefit advisors who are equipped to handle this type of discussion. The OneExchange benefit advisor can facilitate a three-way conference call with the retiree (or the power-of-attorney on the retiree’s behalf) and the Medicaid case worker to discuss the best course of action.
That sounds like your situation. Eligibility for Medicare plans is dependent upon whether the individual is eligible for full Medicaid benefits or partial Medicaid benefits. We recommend asking a Medicare case worker what might be the best course of action. You might want to facilitate this again through the OneExchange Special Situations group.
–Ohio PERS
I know which Medicare plan I want. If I sign up online do I still have to call One Exchange? Am I able to sign my husband up online?
Gloria,
In order for you to receive an allowance through the HRA, you have to sign up for your plan through the Connector. You will be able to sign up your spouse online.
–Ohio PERS
This “connector” business is so absolutely ridiculous that I can barely express myself. I had an “appointment” at 7:00 last Friday evening….reached Jamal at 7:15, who was very helpful in getting the basic info he needed. Bu then he promised a Benefit Advisor and put me on hold. Silly me. I had no idea that meant another half hour of repeating messages telling me I could go to the website and sign up. (just for the record, the “help” button on One Exchange’s website gives no options but calling the same number I was waiting on…no other way to contact anyone for help….no website, no alternative phone number, nothing). I finally got a BA at 7:45. He was the only good thing about the experience, as he was polite and helpful. However, he left me hanging several times and I was the one who actually found the info about the hospital in which I was interested…he never did find it. Whatever do older more confused people do in this situation? I had done my homework and it still took an hour! Then he sent me on to the person who does the paperwork. I waited 15 minutes for her and she turned out to be a mumbler. I ended up telling her I had to rethink this and how could I get in touch with her later? She actually offered to call me on Monday (today) at 2:00. I had no idea they would do this. And apparently, they don’t because it is now after 4:00 and I have received no such call. Now what do I do? Spend another almost 3 hours on the phone?
OPERS should be ashamed that they have put Ohio retirees through this process. My ninety five (95) year old mother could have never navigated this Byzantine process. Reading the comments above it is clear that others have had the same experiences in trying to enroll. Two college educated adults have finally enrolled my mother after many frustrating hours spent repeating, repeating, and repeating the same information.
OPERS should be embarrassed over this fiasco.
Yes, I sure hope OPERS reads these comments. I found OneExchange useless. I researched my healthcare on my own. I did and still do have questions about the drug plans but OneExchange had no answer and the response they gave me was crazy. Also with OneExchange, I can only choose some of the available plans.
To everyone who hasn’t signed up yet….and even if you have…..CALL OSHIIP, the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program! their name and ph # are on the back of the Medicare and You 2015 and 2016 books that we get. I’ve called them twice for help and ask for an advisor, not the customer service person who will prob answer the phone. They know all about Medicare and can help you through this maze. PH: 800-686-1578. I’d give you the # of the person I talked to directly but she’d probably come after me, LOL! There is help out there and I can’t stress enough advice many have given here…..DO YOUR RESEARCH ahead of time. I was so scared of this change that it was months before I finally looked at all the stuff they were sending. I wasted valuable time so it took much more time when I did get brave enough to start checking. Michael is a big help here so at least one can feel that someone from Opers is paying attention!
OPERS retirees in northwest Ohio should be aware that One Exchange may recommend a Humana plan for you. You might even choose to stay with Humana if you’ve had it. The problem is Promedica doctors and facilities will NOT accept ANY Humana insurance plan. One Exchange will tell you your doctors are in their network. But they are unaware of Promedica’s decision.