Important Medicare Announcement for City of Hollywood Retirees

COH Medicare Presentation - May 4, 2017

Prior to a non-Medicare eligible retiree reaching age 65, the City’s insurance provider, Cigna, processes claims as the primary insurer. Upon a retiree reaching age 65 and becoming Medicare eligible or qualifying for early Medicare eligibility due to disability, claims are processed with Medicare as the primary insurer and Cigna as secondary if the member is not actively working. 

Effective January 1, 2018, if a Medicare eligible retiree is not enrolled in BOTH Medicare Part A and Part B, Cigna will process claims as secondary. This means the retiree could be responsible for payment of claims that Medicare would have paid if the retiree HAD been enrolled in both Medicare A&B. This will impact your overall healthcare cost significantly.
 
If eligible for Medicare and not actively working, it is important that you sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B to ensure your claims are processed correctly at the start of the new plan year beginning January 1, 2018. 

Medicare Enrollment Form Part B
 
Some retirees may incur penalties for the retiree’s failure to enroll when initially eligible for late enrollment. Retirees can submit individual requests for equitable relief based on their individual circumstances with the South Broward Social Security Administration office regarding their decision not to enroll in Medicare Part B when initially eligible. The City, as well as the City’s benefit consultant, the Gehring Group will provide personal assistance, where possible, for retirees pursuing equitable relief on an individual basis. 

The local Social Security Administration office has assured the City of Hollywood they will protect retirees under the 2017 General Enrollment Period ending March 31, 2017 if you complete the enclosed enrollment form, with signature and mail it directly to the Pembroke Pines Office at the address below. It must be received no later than June 9, 2017. 
 
Medicare Special Open Enrollment Form
Social Security Administration
12249 Pembroke Road
Pembroke Pines, FL 33026
ATTN: Jackie Terrero 
   

Documents & Forms

COH Benefits Booklet - 2018
  
OAP/OAPIN Coverage Comparison

Summary of Plan Descriptions: