Honestly, anything associated with Ford benefits - HR, NESC, VIA are an embarassment for a large corporation.
Not sure why I bothered making an appointment - I also expect the discussion to have little value as the "licensed" person will be reading from a script and flipping through a binder.
You're all lucky, it took me 5 hours (I have a screenshot!) to talk with VIA benefits WITH AN APPOINTMENT! and received almost zero answers! After that I talked w/ Ford Benefits directly. The directed me to the FAQ at https://fordretireebenefits.com/
It clearly states"The only way to opt in to the HRA funding is with Via Benefits. Then, you can enroll in coverage using Via Benefits, or if you desire, you can enroll with a local broker or directly through a federal or state-based marketplace."
You get options to far more plans than Via offers.
I had appointment scheduled for yesterday I called when my time. They told me it would be hour and half they gave me the options have them call me when a rep. Was available they never called me back. So I called them 8 today then had to wait two and half before they answered the phone. Thanks Ford for nothing I will not be buying anymore of your product anymore.
It took me FOUR hours total on the phone to finally get medical and dental for a ridiculous amount per month. I got a letter this morning from Via apologizing for their service problems. THEY KNOW. Just another kick in the face from FOMOCO. They can keep their vehicles. Never again.
I have a total of 9 hours on hold since Nov to speak to some one. Finally last week I sat on hold for two hours from 8-10 and finally spoke with a rep. When I asked why they said they are short handed? So thank you ford motor company for my years served and when I retired it stated you would take care of my wife till 65. The 500.00 dollars doesn't cover an insurance that is suitable for her age. So much for being a family company and taking care of employees. Hopefully this is going to trickle to the hourly next contract.
A friend set up an appointment & had to wait on hold for a 1/2 hour. Person wasn’t very knowledgeable. I did my own research & called all my doctors to make sure they accepted the plans I’m considering. Don’t want to leave my health care choices in the hands of people that don’t really care.
So after being on hold for almost an hour, I only spent a few minutes with the rep - I wouldn't trust any answer she gave me as she seemed very unsure and I could hear the pages flipping after each question. Her response never matched my exact question - only a close example in her manual.
An added bonus was a unhappy toddler in the background.
I have pity for anyone with real questions that require accurate answers.
I was on for 30 minutes this morning. The lady had a script. She seemed frustrated the website defaulted many Ford retiree's into the government plan even though the monthly government savings was less than the $500 provided by Ford. Most of her call volume was to correct "Funding Conflict! Not allowed employer funding and tax credit". Her job satisfaction was really low.