Important Health Insurance Information, Spring 2020

Dear Fellow EBEA Members:

April 8, 2020

Dear Fellow EBEA Members:

As the EBEA rep to the town’s Insurance Advisory Committee, I am writing to let you know that the insurance rates for fiscal year 2021 are now available, and the window to enroll in or change insurance plans offered by the town is June 1, 2020.

All documents about health insurance benefits are available at the Town Treasurer’s website – the last link on the left side of the screen “IAC-Insurance Advisory Committee”.  There you will find rate sheets, a powerpoint presentation and overview from the GIC about how to choose a plan that is best for you.

At the Insurance Advisory Committee meeting on April 8, 2020 several points were made:

1. The same plans and benefits will be offered as last year through the GIC.
2. Rates will increase on all plans by an average of 4.74%.  See the Powerpoint for increases by plan. Rate increases go into effect July 1.
3. June 1 is the deadline if  you wish to enroll in a plan for the first time or if you wish to change plans.
4. If you do not wish to change plans, you do not need to do anything. 

If you are comparing plans the committee advises you to take the following steps:

1. Review cost versus benefit summaries in the slides 9,10,11 of the powerpoint.
2. Consider the size of networks available under the plans.  Plans with larger networks have higher costs.
3. Consider how much independence you want in choosing providers. Many referrals are easier to get and the rates are lower. 
4. Call your health care providers to see if they are covered under the plan.  
5. Use the full name of the plan such as “the GIC’s Tufts Spirit” or “the GIC Tufts Navigator” plan.  Do not simply ask providers if they accept “Tufts.” See Powerpoint slide 24.

The town is planning to hold some telephone question and answer sessions in case you have specific questions.  You will be asked to email specific questions, which will be answered anonymously during a telephone meeting. Information about the e-mail address to use, as well as the time and date for telephone conferences, will be made available to you through email and through the treasurer’s website. 

Best,

Deborah Seele