CITY RETIREE HEALTHCARE EXPIRES DECEMBER 31, 2016

2016 marks the end of a three-year phase out of City of Chicago (“City”) retiree healthcare plan coverage.  With the exception of those who retired prior to August 23, 1989, retirees will no longer be covered by a City-provided health plan at the end of the year, and these retirees must enroll in other insurance for 2017 to avoid a gap in coverage.

Medicare Eligible City Retirees who have Medicare Parts A and B will need to sign up for other supplemental insurance such as a Medicare Supplement, Part D Prescription Drug plan, or a Medicare Advantage Plan.

The City made arrangements to help Medicare Retirees find supplemental insurance and they have been notified of the following:

· Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (“BCBSIL”) is offering a Medicare Advantage Plan for Medicare eligible City Retirees. Enrollment packets have been mailed to retirees. Call (877) 566-8520to speak with a BCBSIL representative.

· A Chicago-based company called GoHealth is available to help Retirees explore and compare other options to supplement Medicare. Call (855) 785-7841 to speak with a GoHealth representative.

· For general Medicare questions, Retirees were informed that they should call (800)MEDICARE (800) 633-4227.

Non-Medicare Eligible City Retirees can enroll in plans available on the health insurance Marketplace (also known as the Exchange) or through private insurance companies. 

The City made arrangements to help non-Medicare Retirees find other insurance and they have been notified of the following:

· BCBSIL is offering City Retirees two PPO plans that include a network of doctors and hospitals not available in the Marketplace. BCBSIL has mailed enrollment packets to retirees. Call (800) 292-6398 for more information.

· GoHealth is available to help non-Medicare Retirees shop and compare benefits and costs of insurance plans on the Marketplace, and find out if they qualify for subsidies. GoHealth also helps explore non-Medicare coverage options with private insurance companies. Call (855) 785-7842to speak with a GoHealth representative.

Enroll now to avoid a gap in coverage.

Please note that the LABF is providing this information for your convenience and does not endorse any healthcare plan.

To view a recent mailing regarding healthcare options, which includes a note from labor unions, please click here. IMPORTANT DEADLINES APPLY.

Back