Benefits

Retirees Frequently Asked Questions

The following reflect some of the more commonly asked questions regarding 2008 Retiree Open Enrollment changes by category. We hope this quick reference is helpful. To get answers to other questions, please contact MSU Human Resources Benefits at (517) 353-4434 or toll-free at (800) 353-4434 ext. 0.
Aetna DMO Caremark Prescription Drug Plan Coverage Options Employee-Paid Life Insurance Enrollment Retiree Contributions Spouse or MSU Recognized Same-sex Domestic Partner Access to MSU Health Plan Coverage
Enrollment
If I do not want to make any changes to my health plan coverage, do I need to do anything during Benefits Open Enrollment? When and how do I make changes in my benefit plans? When do changes I make during Open Enrollment become effective?
Coverage Options
Which plans are available? What are the differences between the BCBS Traditional Plan and the BCBS Transition Plan? I’m a retiree not enrolled in Medicare and my spouse is also not enrolled in Medicare. We are enrolled in the BCBS Traditional Plan. Do we need to enroll in the BCBS Transition Plan? Will I get a new health plan card every year? If I make changes, will I get new health plan cards?  If so, when will I/we receive them? Aetna DMO What is a primary care dentist (PCD)? What is a DMO (Dental Maintence Organization?  My dentist does not participate with Aetna, DMO.  Can I nominate him/her to participate? Will I receive an ID card? Where can I get more information on Aetna, DMO? I will be in a different state for several months during the plan year.  Should I switch my primary care dentist (PCD)?
Retiree Contributions
Will I have to contribute toward the cost of the health plan I choose? I am a retiree, not yet eligible for Medicare, with a family member enrolled in Medicare. Will I need to contribute toward the cost of my health plan coverage? I am a retiree with no family member(s) enrolled in Medicare. Will I need to contribute toward the cost of my health plan coverage? I am a retiree enrolled in Medicare and my spouse is also enrolled in Medicare. Will I need to contribute toward the cost of my health plan coverage?
Spouse or MSU Recognized Same-sex Domestic Partner Access to MSU Health Plan Coverage
I have a spouse or MSU recognized same-sex domestic partner (who currently works for or is retired from another employer) and could purchase single health care coverage for a premium contribution of $800 or less per year from that employer. I plan to have him/her enroll in that plan by July 1, 2008. Is there anything else I need to do? My spouse or MSU recognized same-sex domestic partner does not have access to other health plan coverage. Do I still need to complete the Health Plan Affidavit for Spouse or MSU Recognized Same-Sex Domestic Partner? My spouse or MSU recognized same-sex domestic partner currently works for another employer and is required to take that employer’s health plan coverage. Is my spouse or MSU recognized same-sex domestic partner also required to cover our dependent children under his/her employer’s health plan? When does my spouse or MSU recognized same-sex domestic partner need to enroll in his employer’s health plan?
Caremark Prescription Drug Plan
Will I continue to have my prescription drug coverage through Caremark? Are the formulary drugs the same at mail service and retail network pharmacies? My medication was removed from the formulary list. How will my medication be filled in the future? My medication was removed from the formulary list. How will my physician(s) know about this change? Do I need to enroll in the Caremark prescription drug plan if I change health plans?
Employee-Paid Life Insurance
Who is the new Employee-Paid Life Insurance vendor?  If I have questions regarding the new employee-paid life insurance plan, how do I contact Prudential? Do I still get employee-paid life insurance as an MSU retiree?
Enrollment
If I do not want to make any changes to my health plan coverage, do I need to do anything during Benefits Open Enrollment? If the only people covered by your MSU benefits are you and your eligible dependent children, AND if you do not wish to make any changes in your benefits programs, you do not have to participate in Benefits Open Enrollment.  All other MSU retirees must participate in Benefits Open Enrollment to enroll, or provide the information necessary to remain enrolled, in the benefits programs of their choice for themselves and their families. When and how do I make changes in my benefit plans? You may make changes during the annual Open Enrollment period: April 21 – May 12, 2008. You may make plan selection changes, add eligible dependents, or correct your enrollment information through one of the options listed below:  Use the Web-based online enrollment feature. You will need access to your MSU NetID account. (Contact MSU Libraries, Computing & Technology helpline at 800-500-1554 for assistance with your MSU NetID.) To access the online enrollment, login to eHR. Upon successful login, click the link Benefit Enrollment/Changes and follow the instructions.  Contact MSU Human Resources Benefits if you need assistance, at 517-353-4434 or toll-free 800-353-4434. When do changes I make during Open Enrollment become effective? Changes become effective July 1, 2008. Coverage for life insurance becomes effective upon approval from the life insurance company when an Evidence of Insurability Form (E of I Form) is required.
Coverage Options
Which plans are available? Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) Traditional Plan is only available when the retiree and all covered family members are enrolled in Medicare. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) Transition Plan is only available when there is a mix of Medicare and non-Medicare enrolled family members. Physicians Health Plan (PHP) is available to all retirees and enrolled family members regardless of Medicare status. Community Blue - PPO is only available when the retiree and all enrolled family members do not have Medicare. Aetna DMO Delta Dental Employee-Paid Life Insurance (under age 70).  What are the differences between the BCBS Traditional Plan and the BCBS Transition Plan? Please refer to the Source for the difference between these two plans. I’m a retiree not enrolled in Medicare and my spouse is also not enrolled in Medicare. We are enrolled in the BCBS Community Blue Plan. Do we need to enroll in the BCBS Transition Plan? No, if all members on your health plan are not enrolled in Medicare, you may continue in the BCBS Community Blue Plan, which is the exact same plan you have today, or switch to PHP and pay the required premium contribution. Will I get a new health plan card every year? No, you will not automatically receive new cards every year, you will receive new cards if you make changes to your health plan. If I make changes, will I get new health plan cards?  If so, when will I/we receive them? If you add or remove a spouse, an MSU recognized same-sex domestic partner, and/or other dependents, or if you change health plans, you will receive a new health plan card. You can expect to receive your new cards in late June. Aetna Dental, DMO What is a primary care dentist (PCD)? This is a dentist you choose to manage your overall dental care.  All Aetna DMO enrollees are required to select a PCD.  Visit Aetna's online provider directory at www.aetna.com or you may contact Aetna's Member Services at 877-238-6200 to select your PCD. What is a DMO (Dental Maintenance Organziation)? In a DMO (Dental Maintenance Organization) enrollees select a participating primary care dentist (PCD).  Their primary dental care is provided by their PCD and only at locations that participate in the plan.  Though choice of providers is more limited, a DMO tends to cover a greater range of services at lower co-pays than traditional dental plans. My dentist does not participate with Aetna, DMO.  Can I nominate him/her to participate? Yes, you can nominate your current dentist for consideration to join the Aetna provider network by completing the nomination form.  However, submitting the form does not guarantee that your dentist will apply to or be accepted as an Aetna provider. Will I receive an ID card? Yes, if you select Aetna, DMO you will receive an ID card.  Your card will list out all eligible members of your family (up to 5) and their Primary Care Dentist.  However, if you do not select a Primary Care Dentist, you will not receive cards. Where can I get more information on Aetna, DMO? You may review information at Aetna's Web site at www.aetna.com or you may contact Aetna's Member Services at 877-238-6200. I will be in a different state for several months during the plan year.  Should I switch my Primary Care Dentist (PCD)? It is recommended that you switch your Primary Care Dentist (PCD); you can switch your PCD as often as every 30 days.  If you do not switch your PCD, all services may not be covered unless considered an emergency.
Retiree Contributions
Will I have to contribute toward the cost of the health plan I choose? MSU’s contribution toward retiree health plan coverage will pay the full cost of the lowest cost health plan (and a prorated amount for those eligible for part-time contributions). The lowest cost health plan, depending on your eligibility is either BCBS Traditional, Transition, or Community Blue. If you are enrolled in PHP, the higher cost plan, you will have a choice between contributing toward the cost of PHP, or making no contribution by electing the lowest cost health plan if you are eligible for. I am a retiree, not yet eligible for Medicare, with a family member enrolled in Medicare. Will I need to contribute toward the cost of my health plan coverage? Retirees with a family member enrolled in Medicare may choose between the Blue Cross Blue Shield Transition Plan or PHP. The full university contribution toward retiree health plan coverage pays the full cost of the BCBS Transition coverage for eligible retirees, their spouses or MSU recognized same-sex domestic partners, and their dependents (prorated for part-time). Retirees who select PHP must pay the premium difference between PHP and the lowest cost plan: BCBS Transition Plan. See the chart below for the monthly cost: 2008-09 Monthly Retiree Contribution* Coverage Tier BCBS Transition PHP Faculty Staff 2 Person, 1 with Medicare -0- $195.46 $193.68 Family, 1 with Medicare -0- $179.53 $179.53 Family, 2 with Medicare -0- $72.43 $72.43 *Assumes full university contribution - prorated for part-time. I am a retiree with no family member(s) enrolled in Medicare. Will I need to contribute toward the cost of my health plan coverage? Retirees without any family member(s) enrolled in Medicare may choose between the Community Blue or PHP health plans. The current university contribution toward retiree health plan coverage pays the full cost of PHP, the lower cost health plan (prorated for part-time). Retirees who select Community Blue must pay the premium difference between the cost of PHP and Community Blue, as follows: 2008-09 Monthly Retiree Contribution * Coverage Tier Community Blue PHP Faculty Staff Retiree Only $7.64 -0- -0- 2 Person $16.03 -0- -0- Family $18.66 -0- -0- *Assumes full university contribution - prorated for part-time. I am a retiree enrolled in Medicare and my spouse is also enrolled in Medicare. Will I need to contribute toward the cost of my health plan coverage? Retirees with all family members enrolled in Medicare may choose between the Blue Cross Blue Shield Traditional or PHP health plans. The current university contribution toward retiree health plan coverage pays the full cost of BCBS Traditional coverage for retirees, their spouse or MSU recognized same-sex domestic partner, and their dependents (prorated for part-time). Retirees who select PHP must pay the premium difference between PHP and BCBS Traditional plan as follows: 2008-09 Monthly Retiree Contribution* Coverage Tier BCBS Traditional PHP Faculty Staff Retiree with Medicare -0- $47.53 $45.59 2 Person, both with Medicare -0- $95.53 $90.85 Family, all with Medicare -0- $148.68 $142.87 *Assumes full university contribution - prorated for part-time.
Spouse or MSU Recognized Same-sex Domestic Partner Access to MSU Health Plan Coverage
I have a spouse or MSU recognized same-sex domestic partner (who currently works for or is retired from another employer) and could purchase single health care coverage for a premium contribution of $800 or less per year from that employer. I plan to have him/her enroll in that plan by July 1, 2008. Is there anything else I need to do? Yes, retirees with a spouse or MSU recognized same-sex domestic partner must complete a Health Plan Affidavit for Spouse or MSU Recognized Same-Sex Domestic Partner to inform MSU of other coverage enrollment. Completion of this Affidavit is required regardless of whether the other coverage costs the spouse or MSU recognized same-sex domestic partner more or less than $800 per year in premium contributions. To complete the Affidavit you must participate in the Open Enrollment process on-line or complete the form you received in the mail. My spouse or MSU recognized same-sex domestic partner does not have access to other health plan coverage. Do I still need to complete the Health Plan Affidavit for Spouse or MSU Recognized Same-Sex Domestic Partner? Yes, retirees with a spouse or MSU recognized same-sex domestic partner, who are not retired or work at MSU, and do not have access to other health plan coverage still need to complete a Health Plan Affidavit for Spouse or MSU Recognized Same-Sex Domestic Partner to inform MSU that their spouse or MSU recognized same-sex domestic partner does not have access to other health plan coverage. My spouse or MSU recognized same-sex domestic partner currently works for another employer and is required to take that employer’s health plan coverage. Is my spouse or MSU recognized same-sex domestic partner also required to cover our dependent children under his/her employer’s health plan? No, MSU does not require your dependent children to be covered under your spouse’s or MSU recognized same-sex domestic partner's employer’s health plan. However, you may wish to have them covered under the other employer’s plan depending on your cost for this coverage and your health plan needs. When does my spouse or MSU recognized same-sex domestic partner need to enroll in his employer’s health plan? Your spouse or MSU recognized same-sex domestic partner must enroll and be covered by July 1, 2008.
Caremark Prescription Drug Plan
Will I continue to have my prescription drug coverage through Caremark? The Caremark prescription drug co-pays will remain in effect for all retirees through the next plan year: Rx Tier Type Retail 34-Day Supply Mail 90-Day Supply 1 Generic $10 $20 2 Brand Preferred (Formulary) $20 $40 3 Brand Non-Preferred (Non-Formulary) $40 $80 4 Bio-Tech Drugs (new tier) $50 $100 Are the formulary drugs the same at mail service and retail network pharmacies? Yes, Caremark has one formulary, which is used for both mail and retail services. My medication was removed from the formulary list. How will my medication be filled in the future? You can still receive a non-formulary drug, however, you will be required to pay the higher co-pay for the drug. My medication was removed from the formulary list. How will my physician(s) know about this change? Physicians are notified of these changes by Caremark with an updated personalized patient profile for their patient files. You should also talk with your physician at your next appointment about options that may be available. Do I need to enroll in the Caremark prescription drug plan if I change health plans? No, if you are enrolled in any of the MSU health plans, you’ll automatically be covered by the Caremark prescription drug plan.   Employee-Paid Life Insurance        1.      Who is the new Employee-Paid Life Insurance vendor?   As of July 1, 2008, Prudential Insurance Company of America is the new employee-paid life insurance vendor.   2.      If I have questions regarding the new employee-paid life insurance plan, how do I contact Prudential?   Prudential’s customer service number is 1-877-232-3555.   3.      Do I still get employee-paid life insurance as an MSU retiree?               If enrolled, coverage can be continued up to age 70 through MSU’s group policy if premium payments are paid to MSU.  After age 70, you have the option of converting your coverage and your dependent’s coverage, if applicable.  You must apply and pay the first premium payment to Prudential within 31 days after your MSU group policy ends.  Conversion information and costs can be received by calling Prudential at 1-877-232-3555.  Premiums will change once your coverage has been converted.