Important Changes in Eligibility for Group Policy GA-23111

Important Changes in Eligibility for Group Policy GA-23111

United Healthcare has announced some important changes
in the enrollment rules under Group Policy GA-23111.

The following changes apply to Plans D and F, which pay benefits in addition to Medicare:

If you are covered under a Medicare Choice HMO and are losing that coverage because your HMO is closing, you can enroll in Plans D or F if you return to Medicare coverage. You must provide documented proof your Medicare HMO is closing (a letter from the HMO or a copy of a news article or announcement) no later than 30 days after your coverage ends.

The Department of Defense (DoD) is making a prescription drug benefit plan available to retired military personnel. If you are enrolled in Plan D (which includes drug benefits) and are eligible for drug coverage from the DoD, you can change your coverage to Plan F (same benefits as Plan D, but no drug coverage). You must apply for this change no later than 30 days after you become covered under the DoD drug plan.

If you have questions about your eligibility for the DoD drug benefit, you should call (877) 363-6337 or (888) 363-5433. Both numbers are a toll-free call.

The following change applies to all plans under GA-23111:

An open enrollment under GA-23111 has been held in December of every even year. Beginning in 2002, the open enrollment period will be in May, rather than in December. The open enrollment will still be held only once every two years.

During open enrollment, any retiree or former employee in the railroad industry, and their dependents, are eligible to enroll regardless of their health.

Additional information on the open enrollment will be included in GA-23111 statements mailed in April.