Does anyone know what the "ATT Medicare-Eligible Health Reimbursement Account Program" is? I got an email of two "requested" transactions, but I haven't a clue what they are. I haven't seen email like this previously. I've been on hold with the AT&T Benefits Department for 1 hour and 5 minutes (and counting) so far now.
That gives us a good idea of how things are going in the Benefits department these days. (sigh)
Here is the thing. If you did NOT retire by end of 2020, you no longer qualify for the Medicare HRA benefit for yourself OR your spouse. In addition, you no longer qualify for the new United Healthcare plan that is $98 cost/month and is NOT available as UNsubsidized either. That 98/month IS subsidized. By not retiring, you have lost ALL subsidizing for Medicare supplemental benefits. I know this because I tried to sign my spouse up for the new United Healthcare Supplemental and ATT told UHC that he was not eligible because I was still an Active employee. Was that a mistake? I hope so because that 98/month plan is a nice one. I thought we could still get that thinking only the HRA reimbursement was gone, but it seems it is all gone for Medicare eligible.
AT&T worked with United Healthcare to provide an medicare advantage plan, at no cost to the retiree, and small cost to spouse.
'Cuse me. I saw costs, especially for subsidized retirees.
Subsidized retiree: $0/mo plus $2400 HRA lost = $2400/year
Subsidized spouse: $98.13/mo plus $1300 HRA lost = 2477.56/year
Subsidized people retain Dental/Vision HRA if plan gotten through AON.
Unsubsidized retiree: $98.13 = $1177.56/year
Unsubsidized spouse: $98.13/mo = $1177.56
So, I was looking at $2400 cost. Instead, I got $0 premium that includes dental/vision and use the HRA to pay for Medicare part B. And I wind up with balances rolling over.
The AT&T plan has one extremely nice benefit - there is a pharmacy max out of pocket of $6500 - period. But, that benefit is duplicated in part in the HRA, because once a pharmacy out of pocket of $5000 is reached, the HRA will receive crediting towards the next $100,000 out of pocket for pharmacy. While not a hard cap, it will cover most people.
Come 2024, if the AT&T plan winds up being the only deal, I'm not going to be crying in my soup. It's a nice plan. But, there is a cost for everybody, whether it is a premium charge, or loss of money that would otherwise be available.
The HRA is handled by AT&T, not AON
That might be, but I log onto AON, and once in, click a link to take me to the HRA. So, AON offers pass-thru to the HRA. And, the HRA isn't funded unless AON indicates that the retiree has chosen a plan offered through AON.
I got my funding. It was one of the first things I checked this week.
Ok The program is eligible retiree's that are on Medicare, get $2700 in an account for medical cost. This can be used for buying supplement or reimbursement for out of pocket expense. This is administered by an insurance brokerage firm AON, and you must purchase one plan of some sort to get the money. They also provide $1500 for the spouse. Currently AT&T advises they are going to review what options to do in 2023. This year AT&T worked with United Healthcare to provide an medicare advantage plan, at no cost to the retiree, and small cost to spouse. Then provide $300 in the HRA account to purchase dental and vision.
Those of us not there yet are hoping for something from the company, but who knows. Maybe a National Health plan where those over 65 pay nothing for all inclusive coverage.
To see subsidized medical amount if qualified for retirement go to hronestop>benefits center (can't use internet explorer). Login then navigate to life changes tab. Select prepare for retirement. You will see check list select link make your retiree health choices. Enter a date for retirement say 12-01-2021, this is just to set the calculator up to show values it doesn't lock in your leaving date. Pass the pop up window, then it will show your health options. Click view/change to see all bronze/silver/gold options. These figures will only be shown if you qualify for retirement. Good luck!
Misleading with retirement information here so far. AON simply advises what Medicare programs are best suited. They are helpful. You must use one of those programs or you do not get any reimbursement.
The HRA is handled by AT&T, not AON. This benefit only applies for those that qualify for HRA in the first place. Hint, if you don’t really know already, you probably were not eligible.
Sounds like transactions dealing with the HRA handled by AON for retirees. Eligible retirees can have AON handle Medigap or Medicare Advantage and get an amounted added to the HRA.
Upon some extensive research, I believe it has to do with claims that have been filed for Aetna insurance coverage.
There were different letters sent to targeted management employees. Retirement eligible employees received letters stating if they DO NOT retire BEFORE 01/01/2022 they will no longer be eligible for retiree medical (Pre-Medicare) benefits. They will have the choice to select AT&T benefits and pay full cost or apply for medical benefits through the marketplace application. Those not eligible to retire received letters stating those who are NOT retirement eligible or modified rule 75 before 01/01/2022 will also not be eligible for retiree medical (Pre-Medicare) benefits. There were also letters sent to targeted management employees regarding changes to 401K /Pension contributions. As well as other letters.
BTW, this has nothing to do with the health savings account managed by Fidelity. I've already checked with them.