Retiree benefits

Group Medicare Advantage Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What is a Medicare Advantage with Prescription Drug (MAPD) Plan?
  • Medicare Advantage is also known as Medicare Part C, and it combines your hospital (Part A), doctor (Par B), and drug coverage (Part D) all in one plan.
  • These plans follow the rules, cover all the benefits of Original Medicare, and are offered by private insurance companies like CareFirst. Under a Medicare Advantage Plan, CareFirst can offer additional supplemental benefits like a nurse line, fitness program, telehealth benefits, and in-home assessments that are not covered by Medicare Part A or B.
How much do I have to pay for the plan?

You will receive the rates before starting your Open Enrollment.

 

*As a participant in the Medicare Advantage plan, you have access to the following additional supplemental Benefits:

  • The Silver Sneakers program gives you access to at-home classes and workshops live or on-demand and the opportunity to enroll in gyms and fitness locations.
  • routine eye exam, a diabetic eye exam, preventive glaucoma screening each year, and allowances to purchase frames or elective contact lenses.
  • You will have access to a 24-hour nurse advice line when you have questions about your health, help you decide when to visit your doctor or go to an Urgent Care or ER, help you understand your medications, assist with finding network doctors, and prepare for an appointment, and learn about preventive care.
  • Through CareFirst’s Video Visit program can securely connect with a doctor anytime, day or night through your phone, tablet, or computer and get treatment for urgent care or make an appointment with a licensed physician for behavioral health services.
  • you can also get an in-home or virtual annual comprehensive health assessment with an advanced practice clinician.

Inflation Reduction Act’s Implications for Medicare Part D

Download the Inflation Reduction Medicare Part D Chart for more info.

Retirees Frequently Asked Questions

I wanted to know if I am eligible for retiree health benefits when I retire and the same for my wife, who is on the policy?

If the member was hired before January of 2010, they are eligible for retiree health benefits, and any applicable dependents already on the plan will also be covered.

Is there a minimum amount of time you must have health insurance through METRO before you retire to keep the policy after retirement?

If the member was hired before January of 2010, they are eligible for retiree health benefits, and any applicable dependents already on the plan will also be covered.

If I should happen to pass before I retire and before my wife passes, will she be able to keep the health insurance policy?

Yes, the widow/widower will be on their plan if they were covered on the member’s plan before they passed away. If the spouse is over 65 years old, the spouse will be covered for two more years. If the spouse is under 65 years of age, the spouse will be covered until the end of the month they turn 65.

If I wanted to drop my current dental and vision coverage because we may use my wife from her new job, could I do that and keep medical, or would I have to wait until open enrollment?
  • Vision coverage goes hand in hand with medical, so you cannot terminate that benefit. You can remove your dental benefit if you are a retiree-only (anytime during the year).
  • All active employees have a medical, dental, vision, prescription, and life insurance packages. You must opt out during our yearly open enrollment. If you opt-out, you keep your life insurance.
How do I get statements for “Transit Employee Retirement Plan Local 689” where funds are being taken from my pay? Also, can I change that from tax-deferred to investment?
  • This is a question for the Local 689 Union. You can call 301-568-6899 and ask for the Financial Treasurer or whoever handles retiree 2010’s pension.
  • If you were hired before January 1, 2010, and are fully vested (10 years of service), you will receive a pension projection yearly statement from the pension office in mid-July or early August. You can call 202-962-1076 for further information.
Is Local 689 retiree health plan deduction from my pension a certain percentage of my salary?

The percentage is negotiated by Local 689 Bargaining Agreement and WMATA.

 

Open Enrollment

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