Post-65 Retirees Losing Group Coverage Still Have Ability to Enroll in Plans Until March 1

Nearly 75% of post-65 retirees, spouses, surviving spouses and Medicare-disabled individuals who were transitioning from group medical and prescription drug coverage enrolled in replacement plans through OneExchange. And overall, more than 59% of everyone who was eligible to participate in the Retiree Insurance Solutions program elected some type of individual plan, including dental and vision.

Individuals who missed the December 31, 2014 deadline can still enroll in replacement plans with guaranteed issue rights through March 1, 2015; however, they will experience a gap in coverage until their plans take effect. If they wait to enroll after March 1, they will lose their opportunity for guaranteed issue, which will make their acceptance for coverage contingent on their health and possibly increase the cost of the coverage they obtain.

Note: Medicare does not permit a retroactive effective date—the sooner a retiree enrolls, the earlier in 2015 his or her coverage will be effective. If an enrollment is completed in January 2015, for example, the first available coverage effective date is February 1.

If you have questions about the Retiree Insurance Solutions program, email them to retireeinsurancesolutions@nreca.org. You also may contact the Member Contact Center at 866.673.2299 or contactcenter@nreca.coop.