Retirees have several options for medical coverage, depending on their age.
Retiree Under age 65
A retiree under Age 65 may continue the identical YourChoice Medical Plan Level and Prescription Plan they are currently enrolled in as of the last date of their employment with Manatee County Government or any of its agencies. Dependents of the retiree are eligible enroll in the retiree YourChoice Health Plan at the time of the employee's retirement.
- Health Care Spending Accounts Terminate
- With the approval of health care reform, the opportunity exists for some retirees, based upon health status and age to obtain an individual medical and/or dental plan that may be more affordable and may better suit their needs. Information about these opportunities can be obtained through Employee Health Benefits.
Retiree 65 and Older/Medicare Eligible
Medicare is the primary insurer for those Retirees and Spouses over 65, or under 65 enrolled in Medicare Disability, and the County's Plan is secondary. As the secondary insurer, the County's Plan wraps around Medicare and pays benefits that are not covered by Medicare, then the County's Plan will continue to pay those benefits according to the County's Plan.
A Retiree age 65 and older eligible for Medicare must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B to receive any benefits under the medical plan. A retiree not enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B will not be eligible to receive benefits in the supplemental plan.
Important: In most cases, if you don’t sign up for Part B when you’re first eligible, you’ll have to pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Part B and could have a gap in your health coverage.
| 3 months before the month you turn 65 | 2 months before the month you turn 65 | 1 month before the month you turn 65 | The month you turn 65 | 1 month after you turn 65 | 2 months after you turn 65 | 3 months after you turn 65 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sign up early to avoid a delay in coverage. To get Part A (if you have to buy it) and/or Part B the month you turn 65, you must sign up during the first 3 months before the month you turn 65. | If you wait until the last 4 months of your Initial Enrollment Period to sign up for Part A (if you have to buy it) and/or Part B, your coverage will be delayed. | |||||
Manatee County provides Medicare eligible retirees the option of a Medicare Supplement Plan through Transamerica Insurance. This plan provides a different level of benefit for medical coverage and is at a cost lower than the YourChoice Health Plan.
Each Medicare eligible retiree and Medicare eligible retiree's spouse enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B will be able to make the choice to:
- Enroll in the Transamerica Medicare Supplement*, or
- Remain in the Manatee County Health Plan as a supplement to Medicare, which includes prescription coverage.
*A Dependent not enrolled in the County's Plan at the time of the Retiree's retirement is not eligible to enroll in the County-sponsored Transamerica Medicare Supplement (see EHB for referral to individual options)
One time opportunity to switch supplemental plans
A Retiree has one opportunity during their time as a retiree to re-enroll in the County's YourChoice Plan if their selection of the Manatee County supplement plan is no longer desired.
A Retiree eligible for Medicare as a result of age or disability must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B to receive any benefits under the medical plan or supplemental plans. The Retiree's County's Insurance or any other Medicare Supplement is SECONDARY to Medicare unless you or your spouse is actively at work and enrolled in an employer sponsored group medical plan. A copy of your Medicare card Parts A and B must be supplied to Employee Health Benefits.
It is recommended that retirees over age 65 work with Transamerica in order to ensure that they have all the necessary information about their health care options.
Transamerica Insurance Company
Transamerica offers a Medicare Supplement Plan for Part A & B for eligible benefits not paid under Medicare Part A & B.
Premium rates for Transamerica are, in most instances, significantly less than those for the County Health Plan.
Transamerica was set up to provide similar coverage to the County Health Plan but the coverage is not exactly the same. Please review the benefits and coverage for the medical plans and, to the greatest extent possible, compare the drugs you are currently taking with the prescription formulary coverage for both plans. The County's Transamerica Representative will work with you on determining the best product for you. Please contact Baacke Insurance Services at 941.907.4300 for more information.
It is recommended that retirees over age 65 work with these representatives to ensure that they have all the necessary information about their health care options.
