Thread regarding AT&T layoffs

Of course the new UHC plan blows. It is from Texas just like the rest of att. Anytime att modifies any benefit plan, you lose.

Good for you that you have the subsidy. I “retired” (not really, got surplussed) in July and to my shock I did not qualify for medical subsidy despite being mr75. Why? I left pre att (abc) them for 2 years between 1999 and 2001 when I returned. I was told that’s why. Hurts a lot but I was fortunate I got a Job soon after surplussed that have medical benefits. I feel bad for others caught in this catch 22 like I was.

Well, like I posted before, the AT&T retiree Medicare Advantage charges subsidized retirees more than non-subsidized retirees.
Subsidized retiree (maintains dental and vision HRA)
• Retiree $0 per month and loss of $2400 in HRA reimbursement = $2400.00
• Dependent $98.13/month and loss of $1300 HRA reimbursement = $2477.56
Non-subsidized retiree
• Retiree $98.13/month = $1177.56
• Dependent $98.13/month = $1177.56

So, I think it throws a lifeline towards non-subsidized retirees, and it is not a bad plan. But, looking at the costs, the subsidized retirees would be to some extent subsidizing the non-subsidized retirees.
I'm doing OK with my $0 Med Advantage. It has the annual physical (cost me $5), dental and vision. I only billed the HRA for $115 and Medicare part B premiums.

Now, if they wanted to charge me $1177.56 instead of $2400, I'd give this plan a harder look, because the out-of-network is good, and the maximum out of pocket is quite good.

Some weird feeling tells me that after 2023, when the HRA is up for debate, the AT&T Advantage plan will be the only option provided by the company, and even the $300 for dental and vision will go away. We need the US government to get in the game and turn medicare into a no cost total healthcare. My plan for healthcare has anyone over 65, off the hook for medical expenses.

I would not go with the UH plan. Stick with the $4,200 stipend and purchase a Medicare Advantage plan.

Here is my take if you are M75 and retired and currently getting the $4,200 annual stipend to cover healthcare expenses and you decide to go with the United Health (UH) plan.

• You give up the $4,200 annual stipend if you are married.
• The UH plan will cost you about $1,200 in annual out of pocket premiums to cover your spouse.
• Together that's a difference of $5,400 annually.
• With the UH plan you pay a maximum out-of-pocket expense of $900. (None of this includes any pr-scrip-ion d–g expense, dental, or vision).

So for the new AT&T sponsored UH plan to be of benefit over an existing Medicare Advantage plan you would have to have medical expenses in excess of $6,300 annually (co-pays, deductibles, etc.) that are not covered by Medicare or the Advantage plan which typically have a maximum annual expense of maybe $5,000-$6,000.

I really don't see how the new plan is better for most or any retirees. I hate to say it but this is got John Stankey written all over it. Please, if you have a different take on the comparison share your thoughts.