Enrollment

Enrollment (Retiree Plans) – Comprehensive Retiree Plan / Back

How to Enroll

Once you are eligible for benefits, you must enroll within 30 days after coverage as an active employee ends.

Application. You must apply for Plan coverage by sending the Plan Administration Office a completed Application for Retiree Benefits within 30 days of your eligibility date. Request an application from the Plan Administration Office a few months before your scheduled retirement.

Future changes in your medical option can be made during the annual Open Enrollment period (see Open Enrollment—Changing Your Medical Option on page 8 of the Guide To Your Benefits).

Once your application is received, the Plan Administration Office verifies that you meet the eligibility requirements (explained on page 2 of the Guide To Your Benefits) and mails you a benefits package that includes an Enrollment Materials folder. You also receive a Summary of Coverage and Comparison of Medical Benefits that explain the benefits offered by each medical option and a list of current self-payment rates.

Enrollment. You enroll yourself and your eligible spouse by sending in your self-payments and returning all of the following forms (enclosed in the Enrollment Materials folder):

TBT Retiree Enrollment Form. The process of starting your CRP benefits won’t begin until this form is received (see Why Enroll? to the right).
Retiree Medical Option Form. Use this form to choose your medical option (which must be the same for you and your covered spouse).
HMO Application. If you choose coverage under an HMO, an HMO application is also needed (see How to Apply for HMO Coverage on page 7). Some HMOs may send you this information before you retire from active employment (while you are still covered under a TBT Plan). If you need an HMO packet and application, contact the TBT Plan Administration Office.

ABOUT MEDICARE
If either you or your covered spouse is age 65 or older (or otherwise eligible for Medicare), the Plan provides benefits under the assumption that you have enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. Medicare Part A is free of charge and provides hospital coverage at 100% of the Medicare-approved amount. Medicare Part B is supplemental medical insurance and requires a monthly premium. For full protection, you must be enrolled in both Part A and Part B.

You should contact your local Social Security Administration office about three months prior to your 65th birthday (or, if disabled, as soon as you are eligible) for information about Medicare and the enrollment procedures you need to follow to sign up for coverage.

Why Enroll?
There are important reasons why you should not delay sending in your Application for Retiree Benefits, TBT Enrollment Form, Retiree Medical Option Form, Medicare Application (if eligible) and an HMO application (if you choose an HMO).

Coverage is not automatic. You risk losing the opportunity to enroll.
No claims are paid until the required forms and self-payments are received.
If you want medical coverage under an HMO, you cannot be enrolled without the required forms mentioned above plus an HMO application.
Your prescription drug card will not be ordered for you until a TBT Retiree Enrollment Form is received.

IMPORTANT
Your plastic prescription card will be mailed to you as close to your eligibility date as possible. If you are eligible for prescription drug benefits, but have not yet received your prescription drug card, you may be reimbursed for covered benefits (see When You First Become Eligible on page 24 of the Guide To Your Benefits).

You won’t receive important notices about your benefits because the Plan will not have your mailing address.

You and your covered spouse may face delays when you need to use your benefits.

Health care providers will not be able to verify your coverage.

If you and/or your covered spouse are eligible for Medicare, but not enrolled, substantial limits apply to benefits (see About Medicare in the box to the left).

ENROLL TODAY
Send in your TBT Enrollment Form (and all required forms and self-payments) as soon as possible. These forms are in the Enrollment Materials folder in your benefits package. Don’t wait until your retirement eligibility date.