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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Old post guys....
I went through the Initiate My Retirement exercise earlier this month, and the choice for PMO family coverage was $22K for COBRA and $35K+ for Retiree 'Access Only'. Opted for the COBRA even though it will only last 4 months, and forfeited the 'Access Only' at $3K/month with dental. Pretty sure I will be able to do better on healthcare.gov later this year, or check out MediShare or something similar.
Reminder for 3/22/2019 VSPers. The 60 month paid COBRA medical/dental ends 5/31/2020. I called benefits last week and they could not have been more helpful. The cost of my 68% subsidized at 2008 rates medical/dental EPN+1 was just shy of $15K annually for duration of 2020 compared to 102% COBRA just shy of $17K. Also 102% COBRA will only be in force thru 9/30/2020. 102% COBRA can't be extended beyond 9/30/2019. I'm thankful for the subsidy which saves me about $173/mo. Who knows what the rates will be in 2021 and beyond for the 68% subsidized at 2008 rates medical/dental EPN+1. @1wqr your post was helpful.
Yep 38 years there and Screwed. $2500. Per month for PPO starting in March. Cobra gas a 2% premium.
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.
@3axf+13gfWOpl, what language could you write a novel in?
I could write a novel. It’s horrible and they deliberately drag out the process until you is the deadline. Here a hug tip that will save you a month. You have to specifically ask for vsp, cobra, retiree and etc. When you call in you’ll get forwarded all over the place and each of them have misinformation and snail mail with loads of legal documents you have to sign where your signature appears off the page you signing and all sorts of shady shady legal paper work as large as the tax code. It says in all that paperwork to get a lawyer but there’s no time the deadline. My question is how many have received setttlements.
Do what @1wqr says using this link:
www.verizonbenefitsconnection.com
I would do it sometime after the first day of February but well before Feb 28th.
Login to benefits connection. Click the link for “initiate my retirement” fill in a retirement date of 3/1/2020. Use the continue button to advance to the page for medical insurance. Choose the modify button on the medical insurance section to see your options and cost. You Probably won’t like the numbers you see. Don’t advance further or submit until you are sure what you want to do.
Benefits for wireless retirees is nothing but 25% off phone plan. Nothing else after working there for 20 years.
Call benefits opt4 then select cobra
When you call benefits, ask for a retiree specialist. They have them because I've spoken to them. What information are you trying to get? Everything is spelled out in the plan documents
Verizon absolutely s—s for getting information to employees, let alone retirees.
I feel your pain.
Their benefits center is contracted out, so typically if you call 3 times you get 3 different answers.
Since you mentioned COBRA, I assume you weren’t a union employee?
If you were there isn’t anything to do but call and enroll in retiree plan.