--- In ibmretiree@yahoogroups.com, "WIKI2ECHO" <SUROVIC1@...> wrote:>
> For those of you wondering when the Medical Package will arrive,
> well it's coming by the first week in November AND if you have
> Healthnet, by the way, you single coverage premiums will increase by
> 59%! IBM's letter is "warning me ahead of time" so that I might
> consider another plan.

Here is most of IBM's letter to me:

IBM continues to work to combat rising health care costs,
consistently looking for ways to expand choices for retirees in a
dynamic health care marketplace and, where possible, identify lower-
cost options.

IBM has also kept pace with changes in the health care environment.
With the passage of Medicare reform, for example, we created several
new medical options to help our Medicare-eligible retiree
participants take advantage of emerging retiree plans offered outside
IBM.

I am pleased to announce that for 2008, through our association with
Retiree Health Access, a national initiative/program sponsored by the
Human Resources Policy Association and led by IBM, we will offer
three new retiree medical options in addition to current plans.

These new options are available from outside groups. They differ
from IBM's self-insured medical options in several important ways, so
consider your options carefully. You may find some of these options
less expensive, while network providers, benefit provisions,
prescription drug and other programs will all be different than the
current IBM plans.

I am also pleased to announce, effective immediately, expanded flu
shot coverage under most IBM medical options. Retirees in non-HMO
plans will be able to receive flu shots obtained in non-traditional
settings such as clinics, local drug stores or local health
departments and be reimbursed at in-network levels. This expansion
reflects the important of flu prevention as we age.

At the same time, many features of IBM's retiree medical options will
look familiar to participants. Here's a look at what you'll see when
IBM's retiree benefits enrollment begins in a few weeks.

Your 2008 Retiree Medical Options:
IBM pays the majority of health care claims costs for retired and
active employees and eligible family members: about $1.4 billion each
year. As you remember from last year, the U.S. Government is now
making a limited reimbursement available to companies to help offset
retiree medical costs, as part of Medicare reform.

Although many companies keep the full reimbursement amount, IBM once
again will apply a portion of the reimbursement to your costs so that
the premiums will be lower than they would be otherwise. IBM expects
to share this federal subsidy with eligible participants as long as
it continues to be available.

Nevertheless, retirees will see increases in monthly contributions
for some medical options. Your other out-of-pocket limits-
deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance-will remain at 2007 levels.

Information and Support:
IBM's benefits enrollment for retirees will take place October 31-
November 20, 2007 for coverage in 2008. I encourage you to take time
during the upcoming enrollment to carefully evaluate your health care
choices.

Sincerely,
Randy MacDonald
King

P.S. If you have not received your package by November 6, contact the
IBM Employee Services Center at 1-800-796-9876.