Important notice for 2010 Benefits

Note to Active and Retired members of Verizon - corrections to 2010 medical benefits/benefits renewal-

 

Benefits Renewal ended for active Vz in October, retirees in November. , I want to advise you that we are in a “correction period”.  Corrections may be made up to the end of the year only. This years renewal period had many problems with Vz communications (incorrect benefit letters were sent out to thousands). Vz also has defaulted members from terminated plans into the Anthem EPO. The Aetna MCN- Choice POS II is the Union bargained for plan. If your doctor participates in the Aetna MCN (call Aetna member services to check 800-247-5482) I strongly suggest you consider this plan for 2010. If you want to select the Aetna MCN for 2010, a correction can be made. Corrections can only be initiated by calling the VBC (877-489-2367), no changes can be made via the web. VBC representatives have been instructed to take your corrections until the end of December. If they refuse to take the correction, write down the name of the representative and the day that you called and call me. Once January 2010 comes, active members will be in the plan that is on file for the entire year. Vz retirees, you may change during the year with “Anytime Enrollment", with changes taking place the first of the month following 31 days.

 

•           Verizon active employee or Pre-Medicare retiree, in a medical plan which is terminating and Verizon has defaulted you to the Anthem EPO; I strongly suggest that you consider the Union bargained for plan, MCN-Managed Care Network (Choice POS II). Call Aetna  to check if your doctor participates 800-247-5482 (MCN /Vz unit)

•          Verizon active employee or Pre-Medicare retiree, in the Aetna HMO (option 5580) I strongly suggest that you consider the Union bargained for plan, MCN-Managed Care Network (Choice POS II). It is still the Aetna network of doctors. You should call Aetna to verify that your doctor participates 800-247-5482 (MCN /Vz unit). There are very, very few doctors who do not participate in both plans. There are less co-pays and/or limitations in the Aetna MCN compared to the Aetna HMO.

•          Verizon active dependents or retirees in any Medicare plan which was terminated- All affected dependents and retirees will be defaulted into the Union bargained for plan, Aetna MCN (Choice POS II). This is the only plan that is available to you. Beginning 1/1/10 you will present both your Medicare card and your Aetna ID card each time you seek care. Call Aetna to check if your doctor participates in the MCN-Managed Care Network (Choice POS II) 800-247-5482 (MCN /Vz unit).

•          Dependents/spouses on Medicare- Active or retired members should call the Verizon Benefits Center (877-489-2367) to set up your dependents/spouse on Medicare Direct. This will assist with billing, coordinating payment between Medicare and Aetna so you don't have to. If you are on Medicare yourself, but not because of age, you must initiate the process for Medicare Direct also.

 

Make sure that you are in the best plan for you and your family for 2010.

 

In Unity,

Karen Lane

HCBC