By Cheryl Streberger
I hope everyone has survived the warm humid temperatures and the Canadian wildfires we have been experiencing this summer. If you have any respiratory issues, please wear a mask or just stay indoors.
I have heard from several people that they are concerned that we are going to lose our Part D coverage under Medicare. We are not, what will be happening is increase in premiums for many because the federal government will be sunsetting the temporary premium stabilization program at the end of 2026. This will affect stand-alone plans premiums that go along with original Medicare, rather than the drug coverage in Medicare Advantage plans. So, this should not affect our retirees since we have an employer sponsored Medicare Advantage plan.
A Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program started July 1, 2026, it allows eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries to access selected weight loss medications for a flat monthly copay of $50. The pilot program will be in effect until December 31, 2027. If you are interested, you can on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to see if you qualify. Our plan does not cover GLP-1 medications for just weight loss.
In October at our Coordinating Council meeting our guests will be from Employee Benefits Bethany Beauchine, Keri Rust and Rebecca Guyski and from Delta Dental Lisa Eggert.
Editor’s note: Cheryl Streberger is Chair of the Michigan SERA Coordinating Council. She may be reached at cstreberger@yahoo.com or 517/515-9815.