Can anyone help? I don’t know where else to go. I couldn’t find a VZ retiree website. I took the VSP end of 2018 then signed up for retirement. My VSP COBRA benefits end 2/29/20 and I have made numerous calls in the past month to VZ Benefits trying to get answers about my retiree medical benefits. I know the info I’m getting is incorrect. Any help/suggestions appreciated.
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Called VZ benefits again today (9th time) and was told as a Medicare eligible retiree my only health coverage option is $1,000 indemnity option at a cost of $5,973 a year – through United Healthcare. Was told my coverage was based on my zip code (GA). I don't think this is right but no one at the benefits center is willing to go beyond "their scripted notebook" to get me some answers.
What @2jli says below is correct. My VZ paid COBRA ran out yesterday 1/31. I did exactly as @2jli describes a couple of weeks ago then double checked it by calling VZ Benefits connection. They said my elections for opting out of COBRA and signing up for VZ Retiree Pre Medicare insurance was correct. What they called "pending "
Mine starts Feb 1st or today.
Also they told me I will be billed by the 15th of each month for the current month if I understood correctly .
Same exact situation. Called yesterday to this number above...need to choose option 8...medical...then speak to a representative...THEY will have to transfer you to the retirement group...but I was lucky....got a good rep.....but since yours and my last severance date are the same..Feb. 29....have to call back in February...and go thru same sequence...this time they may send you to a website to “initiate my retirement “....put in the dates you want to start retirement...etc. In my situation I want to DECLINE cobra because I want the option to get back to be able to have VZ retiree medical , even at full cost, between now and age 65 till Medicare if I need to. If you don’t decline that option, you will only have 4 more months of Cobra , that YOU have to pay for....remember it was only good for 18 months...as it expires at the 18 month period....and if you DO select Cobra for that additional 4 months, then you will no longer be eligible to then have retiree insurance from VZ....note: if you are close to age 65 within 4;months, then all the above is not relevant....it’s confusing...good luck...bottom line call them In February....
I was told by VZ Benefits that is you take Cobra you are not eligible for the retirement insurance. The insurance for a single person is over $1000.00 per month, you can receive a lower cost plan elsewhere.
They deliberately lead you on circles. No one knows anything and you’ll be giving no information until deadlines have passed. I’ve some numbers that will point you on the right direction but you’ll have to be very extremely specific or they’ll act ignorant or may truely be so. Try 855 489 2267. It’s horrible and unethical what they do and get away with.