Changes to Benefits for Medicare Primary Retirees
We understand how important health care coverage is to all faculty and staff. Consequently, we would like to inform you about some changes to medical and pharmacy insurance benefits provided by Texas Christian University for Medicare primary retirees and their eligible dependents. This change does not affect active employees, but will impact all employees once they retire and become Medicare primary at age 65.
You can be assured that TCU will maintain the current level of investment in retiree medical health care through an alternative method of accessing coverage. On June 1, 2013, the current medical and pharmacy plans with CARES and Secure Horizons (UHC Medicare Advantage) will end for individuals who are Medicare primary retirees. However, utilizing a special, tax-free account called a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) account, TCU will continue to provide the same monthly benefit dollars, $202.72 per retiree and $202.72 per eligible dependent, based on the same eligibility as in the past. Medicare primary retirees will have the opportunity to choose from a large number of insurance carriers and select a supplemental or Advantage insurance plan that best fits their medical and prescription needs. Retirees who are not Medicare primary will remain with CARES until they turn 65.
To assist with this transition, TCU is partnering with Extend Health, the largest supplemental and Medicare Advantage insurance exchange in the country, to help Medicare primary retirees navigate the change in benefits and make informed and confident decisions. In fact, Extend Health offers lifetime advocacy through a dedicated customer service team to troubleshoot for Medicare primary retirees should they have challenges with their medical insurance carrier, Medicare or anything else related to health insurance. If you would like more information about Extend Health you may visit www.extendhealth.com/tcu or call them at 1-888-429-8490.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call Tracy Thompson at 817-257-5017.
Extend Health FAQ for Retirees
Extend Health Presentation
Camp Fire: Connecting with your Teen
Tuesday, June18, 2013
12:00 noon- 1:00pm
Dee J. Kelly Alumni and Visitors Center, Monroe Conference room
Can you tune in to your teen? Camp Fire representative DeVonna Wicks returns to share communication tips for parents. Come and learn how to foster independence and responsibility in kids on their way to adulthood, and work on your ability to listen.
Search Course Name: Camp Fire
Healthy Aging with the UNT Health Science Center
Thursday, June 20, 2013
12:00 noon- 1:00pm
Dee J. Kelly Alumni and Visitors Center, Cox B
Dr. Sid O'Bryant, UNT Health Science Center Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and member of UNTHSC's Healthy Aging Council, will discuss how we can age successfully. We'll cover the behaviors, such as diet, exercise, and regular health screenings, and how these have been linked to healthy aging. Important information for you or your family members!
Search Course Name: Successful Aging
Summer Movie: Lone Star
Friday, June 7, 14 and 21, 2013
12:00 noon- 1:00pm
Jarvis 204
Spend your Friday lunch hour with colleagues as we watch the Texas-based movie, Lone Star. This movie deals honestly with the immigration issue in Texas.
Search Course Name: Lone Star
Tai Chi
Fridays starting May 31 through July 26, 2013
12:00 noon- 1:00pm
Rickel 37
Experienced Tai Chi instructor Steve Blostein teaches this beginner class for 7 weeks during the lunch hour. Come learn Tai Chi and destress.
Search Course Name: Tai Chi Class at Noon
Walk with Mica
Monday mornings June 3rd- July 1st
7:00am-7:30am
Meet in HR parking lot
Meet at the HR office at 7:00 am for a brisk 30 minute walk around campus. Make a commitment to start your week off on the right foot!
Search Course Name: Walk with Mica
To RSVP, please use https://my.tcu.edu. Select Employee Center and scroll down to “Request Training Enrollment.” Choose your desired course by viewing available sessions. For additional help or immediate enrollment, please contact HRTraining@tcu.edu