Chair Talk

October 2005

On September 21, 2005 SERA representatives (Alvin Whitfield, John Bantjes, Leland Hall, Mary Flannery, George Rusch and I) met with Mr. David Fink (Director), Tom Hall and Jill Nowicki of the Office of the State Employer to discuss Medicare Part D and other health care issues. At this meeting we were told that the State would participate in the Medicare Subsidy portion of the new Medicare Part D (Presription Drugs). Basically, the State would receive a monetary subsidy from the federal government to KEEP their current drug plan as it is. We were informed that Medicare eligible retirees should NOT enroll in any Medicare Drug program and that to do so may jeopardize their current state sponsored drug plan. The state will be sending out a retiree bulletin this week to all retirees explaining the Medicare Subsidy program. The bulletin will also include the following health care changes for those retirees enrolled the State Health Plan PPO:

Effective November 1, 2005
  1. Brush Biopsy This is a test performed by the dentist to screen for oral cancer.
  2. Drug Quantity Management is a program whereby only the quantity or drugs consistent with the clinical dosing guidelines will be stringently upheld.
  3. Voluntary Zero co-pay program will allow retirees currently taking non-formulary drugs to treat depression, GERD, high cholesterol or high blood pressure the opportunity to use a generic equivalent for up to six months — the co-pays for the six months would be waived.
  4. CuraScript for Specialty Drugs is a program whereby Express Scripts would provide oral and injectable specialty medications. There will be a patient-care coordinator assigned to you to make sure you receive optimum care. You and your doctor will be contacted by Express Scripts if you are currently on these specialty medications.
Effective January 1, 2006
  1. Preventive Services annual maximum will be increased from $750 to $1500.
  2. Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy visits will increase from an annual maximum of 60 visits to 90 visits.

I would strongly recommend that SERA Chapters invite speakers from Employee Benefits, Blue Cross and Express Scripts to attend Chapter meetings to explain these changes/programs to your members.

Last month in the Chair Talk I provided phone numbers for Lisa Stout (Manager) of Express Scripts for SERA Chapter Presidents to call and arrange for her attendance at meetings to discuss Express Scripts and their programs. Apparently, SERA members have been calling her about issues that are best addressed through the customer service number (800-505-2324). Please advise your members not to call Lisa directly.

Editor’s note: Bob Kopasz is Chair of the Michigan SERA Council. He may be reached at P.O. Box 692, Mt. Morris, MI 48458; phone 810/240-8380

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