Important Information Regarding UnitedHealthCare & AETNA

Association of BellTel Retirees Inc

Bulletin – October 15,2019

2020 Transition from UnitedHealthCare to AETNA Medicare Advantage

Many of you have recently received notification of a change in your retiree healthcare effective with the New Year – 2020.  That notification was in the form of a letter signed by Mr. Kevin Cammarata – Vice President – Benefits.

Your Association has been in communication with Mr. Cammarata, and some of your concerns voiced to our office have been answered.  The following points have been clarified:

• Your prescription drug coverage through Express Scripts will not change. This was specified within the letter from Mr. Cammarata. 

• This change only applies to some (not all) Verizon retirees. Management and former GTE retirees will be transitioning to AETNA.  Eastern Associate Medicare eligible retirees (former BA and NYNEX) will stay with UHC, consistent with the specifications of the collective bargained contract extension.  More information has also been received from AETNA in the form of a 4-page “Welcome to AETNA,” from Richard A. Frommeyer, Sr. V.P. AETNA.  Also, you have probably received the 33-page book: “Focus On You,” which we should all read. 

• Regarding “Bonus” features – e.g. Silver Sneakers – AETNA will be offering a similar set of services. When the information from AETNA reaches you, please contact AETNA regarding any specific questions related to features you may have enjoyed under UHC. 

• It is recommended, as I did in my own circumstance, that you contact your medical providers about this change as soon as possible. It is vitally important that you get a determination as to whether they actually accept this insurance BEFORE THE END OF YEAR.  Remember:  It is called: 

AETNA Medicare Plan (PPO) with Extended Service Area (ESA) – It is a Medicare Advantage Plan. 

• How this change will impact those involved with the UMass issue is yet to be determined. Your Association will provide more information in time for the next newsletter publication.  However, as of now the extension to the coverage from UMass is targeted to end with the New Year.  Stay tuned.

As we develop more information, we will get it to you as quickly as possible.

Jack Cohen, Chairman