UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust coverage changing for Medicare members in 2018

Effective Jan. 1, 2018, the UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust (“the Trust”) will transition coverage for its Medicare primary members in Michigan from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Traditional Care Network plan to the Medicare Plus Blue^SM Group PPO. This means that on Jan. 1, 2018, many of your patients who receive coverage through the Trust will be enrolling in a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Medicare Advantage PPO plan.

There are several advantages to enrolling in a MA PPO plan:

• No monthly contributions to the Trust required
• Free fitness club membership in the Silver Sneakers fitness program
• Lower deductibles than the TCN plan
• No referrals required to visit the doctor, specialist or hospital of your choice

You’ll likely continue to see these same retirees, who will be Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage members beginning Jan. 1, 2018. If you’re part of the Blue Cross MA PPO network, these members will be able to find your practice or facility in our online provider directory.

While most of our health care providers are familiar with our MA PPO plan, there are some differences in benefits and care management. Click here for more information about the plan.

As always, it’s important to ask your patients about recent changes in insurance carriers and benefits — and also request a copy of their ID card when they come for services. You can also check member benefits and eligibility on web-DENIS.

While referrals are not required for the MA PPO plan, members may need authorization prior to receiving certain hospital services. You’ll want to review the authorization guidelines and criteria on the e-referral site.