Thread regarding AT&T layoffs

I’m going in May and they sent me a workbook last month, explaining the whole Advantage plan, and cost. If you qualify for it. Best advantage plan on the market with low co pays and $900 max out of pocket. Max dr-g expense $6500. And cost to retiree is $0 per month. You can add dental, vision, and hearing aid for $50/mo. However I found dental for like $30, and all my vision visits are medical for cataract, and diabetes. And glasses at Warby Parker are only like $95.

I forgot to mention in the previous comments that I made that the ATT plan so far has faced numerous billing issues. It's been a bit of a disaster. So with this plan, you not only have to content with UHC, but also ATT for billing (and its vendors, including Alight). Lots of layers of bureaucracy to go through.

"I am starting with Original Medicare (Plan-G High Deductible) during my initial enrollment period knowing the opportunity to change occurs once a year during the open enrollment period.

Far easier to change from original Medicare to an Advantage plan, than vice versa, if you were to elect to do so."

I think you made a good choice. I did the same, and with a well funded HSA, I feel comfortable with the HD Plan G. I did extensive research on this. There are issues with Advantage plans, and, although the AT&T UHC plan has some nice features, it is still an Advantage plan, and they all have the requirements for pre-authorization of procedures which don't exist in traditional Medicare (with Medigap). I read the Evidence of Coverage document carefully. In the fine print, the UHC plan states that UHC is soley authorized to decided if your care is "medically necessary" or not. Of course, you can appeal, but appeals cost time. And sometimes, time is not a friend when it comes to health. Best of luck to you.

OP here.

The intent of my posting was to share information on the “Time Frame and Key dates” on what to expect in transitioning from retiree health benefits to Medicare.

I made my choice and have my Medicare card without ever hearing from the company about when I should expect the change to occur and lose the Retiree Health Benefits.
All I ever got was an informational package on the AT&T Advantage plan (one of many to choose from).

I am starting with Original Medicare (Plan-G High Deductible) during my initial enrollment period knowing the opportunity to change occurs once a year during the open enrollment period.

Far easier to change from original Medicare to an Advantage plan, than vice versa, if you were to elect to do so.

You have to be enrolled in Medicare first and have a Medicare card to enroll in any plans. I was enrolled automatically in A&B (Need to check at least a month before you switch over just in case) but then had the option of choosing a plan for the other coverages. It can get confusing as it seems that every provider in the country has your information and will contact you through various means. Some don’t have a clue and most have different quirks. I would advise being honest with yourself about your health situation and choose accordingly. I actually went to a broker recommended by a friend. When he found out I was a AT&T retiree he stopped me. Said he couldn’t in good conscience recommend anything else with the recent changes to the plan. Do you due diligence. At least you don’t have to go through the circus of everyone in the country choosing during the recently concluded enrollment period.

Never give up Medicare. The ATT Advantage plan su-ks. You are better off buying gap ins for around 126 a month. No co pays etc.. I've had several surgeries since going on medicare and my gap ins, and had little or no out of pocket. When I say little I mean under 10.00 in total. With advantage you will have co pay..

"Consider regular Medicare, Parts A&B with a medigap high-deductible Plan-G. You’ll also need a Part-C for scripts. Advantage for people who want good coverage, flexibility and treatment, ain’t it. "

Must correct the above, Part D is scripts. Other than that, I did reject T's Advantage plan and went with Medicare/Medigap. As long as a doctor accepts Medicare, you have total freedom to get the best medical care across the country.

There’s a great AT&T retiree Facebook group that has tons of info on topic.

Consider regular Medicare, Parts A&B with a medigap high-deductible Plan-G. You’ll also need a Part-C for scripts. Advantage for people who want good coverage, flexibility and treatment, ain’t it.

Glad to hear you have retiree health benefits.

Best of luck to the rest of us.

I am on pre-Medicare age Retiree Healthcare (recently turned 60). However, I have viewed the Medicare Advantage Plan and other related documents on the benefits site. (Personally, I'm never going on any "Advantage" plan.) No matter which direction one takes, Traditional Medicare or Advantage/Part C, you still need to enroll in Medicare Part A & B and can do so 3 months before you turn 65 (or beginning Medicare if still covered under a qualified employer's plan) and up to 3 months after your birthday month.

I'm no specialist, I've just been on a quest to understand Medicare for the past couple of years...

I think I recall that if one makes no alternate plan, one will be automatically rolled onto the UHC Advantage Plan. You should make an appointment with the benefits center ASAP to determine what's what. Typically, Medicare plans are individual-based, there are no spouse or family tiers. However, I was recently speaking with a former retired teammate/buddy who is Medicare age and he rolled over to the Advantage plan where there is an option in that plan that lets him add his wife (also Medicare age) for an additional amount, plus a bit more I think for dental and vision.

Make noise with the Benefits center, ask for a supervisor if the agent isn't being clear.