Merrilee Logue, Executive Director of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield National Labor Office, and Duncan Lawson, Director of Market Intelligence for Government Programs for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the healthcare landscape and options available to union members as they approach retirement.
As workers begin to think about retirement, the options for continued health coverage can be intimidating. Logue and Lawson discussed some of the options available for soon-to-be retirees. Logue shared one of the many questions she receives during conventions from union members: How can they keep their BCBS coverage, and what will happen when they retire?
Lawson explained the differences in Medicare and what each part—Part A, Part B and Part C—means. Together, the parts cover different components of healthcare coverage and can come with different costs. He also discussed how the federal government can cover a portion of Part A and Part B, but it will not cover all the potential costs relating to healthcare.
Logue and Lawson also spoke about Medicare Advantage and how it can cost less than traditional Medicare. They discussed the options available to a retiree within seven months of their retirement in the Initial Enrollment Period. Lawson explained how that period differs from the Annual Enrollment Period and what can be done in each period. Lawson said that he recommends checking with the union to see if they offer Medicare coverage for retirees age 65.
Please listen to the show above for more on Medicare and Medicare Advantage. If you would like to learn more, visit the Medicare page on the BCBS website or medicare.gov.