News & Events
PERS Offers Pre-Enrollment Meetings
In May and June 2008, the PERS Health Insurance Program will be offering informational meetings in the Portland and Willamette Valley area for PERS retirees and spouses who are approaching Medicare eligibility. These meetings are designed for retirees and/or spouses who are within approximately 12 months of becoming Medicare eligible. Unless on Social Security disability, you are entitled to Medicare at age 65. The meetings will include:
- An overview of Medicare enrollment timelines
- The process for enrollment into the PERS Health Insurance Program
- Current costs for each of the plans
- A detailed summary of benefits offered by the health plans
No pre-registration is necessary, however space is limited. There will be representatives from the PERS Health Insurance Program and the health plans at the meetings to answer your questions. Meetings last approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
The PERS Health Insurance Program will be offering these informational meetings in other areas of the State during late September and all of October 2008. A schedule of these meetings will be posted at the beginning of September.
View the Pre-Enrollment Meeting Schedule (PDF)
PERS Implements Enhanced Prescription Drug Benefit
Beginning January 1, 2006 Medicare Part D was incorporated into the PERS sponsored health plans. Medicare Part D covers approved prescription medication. There is a premium for this coverage; however, it is included in the premium amount paid for coverage through the PERS Health Insurance Program. Enrolling in a PERS-sponsored plan AUTOMATICALLY enrolls you in Medicare Part D. The PERS prescription drug plan does not have an up front deductible or coverage gap (donut hole) as some individual Medicare plans have that are purchased in the commercial market. See the current handbook for detailed benefit information.
Caution: You cannot be enrolled in two Medicare Part D plans at the same time or have other retiree coverage, including Tri-Care, that is receiving Medicare funding. If you terminate your Medicare Part D coverage directly through Medicare, this will disenroll you completely from the PERS Health Insurance Program, including your medical and optional dental coverage.
PERS members who are not eligible for Medicare will have the same enhanced benefit, but unlike the PERS Medicare members, there will be no additional funding for these members to help offset the health plan premiums.
Please refer to the Member Handbook and Benefit Guide for additional benefit and premium rate changes.