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EPIC, the retired faculty group at Columbia, has received inquiries about changes to medical coverage. This letter is our best effort to inform our members and other retirees of what is going on with respect to retiree medical benefits at Columbia. It was prepared by Frank Wolf, Vice President of EPIC, who has made a good-faith effort to draw your attention to the most basic aspects of the impending changes in the Columbia retiree medical insurance options.
On August 5 retirees were sent letters informing them of changes in the arrangements for retiree medical benefits. There were three versions of the letter, depending on the retiree’s status. All three versions are attached to this email. One of two versions of a brochure were also including in the mailing, one for those who retired after 2012, and another for those who retired in 2012 or earlier. Links to both brochures are included in this email newsletter.
Brief Summary of What Is Happening
Columbia has decided to outsource the location of appropriate retiree medical insurance and the enrollment of retirees in coverage to an outside firm beginning January 1, 2023. That firm is Via Benefits. Those who are currently enrolled in Columbia retiree health insurance as well as those who retired between 2018 and 2020 will be eligible for a benefit of $220 a year toward the insurance premium (and $110 per eligible dependent) if and only if they enroll in medical insurance through Via.
There are some dates to keep in mind. While US Medicare open enrollment dates for 2022 are from October 15 through December 7, Columbia Via enrollment “preferred” dates are from October 17 to November 5, 2022, though you actually have from October 1 through November 30. Via encourages pre-enrollment as a Via client including establishing your medical profile. The pre-enrollment period is August 4 to September 10, though again you may do this any time before you enroll.
To get a clearer sense of what Via is, and how it works, you should watch the “anytime Webcast.” It gives an excellent overview of the changes.
We are sending out this mailing because many retirees may be away from their permanent mailing address and therefore not receive these communications in a timely way.
Below are the three basic guides that everyone needs to read and understand. One of the biggest pitfalls for retirees is securing information on coverage and premiums through websites that are published by the insurance companies or for-profit insurance marketplaces. In the first instance, retirees would be well advised to use these three government websites to locate the insurance that works best for them and then compare what is available through Via.
How to compare Medigap policies
https://www.medicare.gov/supplements-other-insurance/how-to-compare-medigap-policies
Drug coverage (Part D)
https://www.medicare.gov/part-d
Understanding Medicare Advantage Plans
https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/12026-Understanding-Medicare-Advantage-Plans.pdf
Some basic principles to keep in mind:
Generally speaking, group insurance plans are a better deal than individual plans since they create large pools of clients with better actuarially determined premiums.
Generally speaking, Medicare Advantage plans are more restrictive than Original Medicare because they are associated with networks of doctors whom you must use for full benefits.
Frank Wolf was in touch with Michael Bloom, Associate Vice President for Benefits and Compensation, to ask about access to Columbia Doctors for those who may be considering Advantage Plans. He responded as follows:
“When the retiree meets with a Benefits Advisor, they will do a profile which will include the providers they use as well as medications. It is up to the Benefit Advisor to find them a plan that will meet their needs. Based on what we know there are several options that have Columbia Docs in-network who take Medicare.”
Letter to faculty who retired from 1994–2012
Letter to faculty who retired after 2012
Letter to faculty who had waived medical coverage through the university within the past five years
Link to the brochure for faculty who retired after 2012
Link to brochure for faculty who retired from 1994–2012
There will be nine live Webinars on the transition at which members of the Columbia Benefits team will be present to answer any questions beginning on August 23 and running through October 3.
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