Some 800-1,000 retirees and family will be affected by the city of Chattanooga and the H/R office's decision to move from BlueCross BlueShield to United Healthcare starting January 1, 2018.
Many questions have gotten different answers from providers and the H/R office.
1. Will Chattanooga Heart Institue accept the UHC Group Plan Advantage Medicare PPO plan?
2. Will Memorial Hospital accept it as "in network"?
3. Drug benefits - have some drugs been moved to different tiers, therefore costing more "out of pocket" cost?
4. What other benefits have we gained or lost? The only thing most have been told is Vanderbilt Hospital has been added. Everything else we have been told was things we already had with BCBST.
5. What is the NCQA health plan rating for 2017-2018?
Could Chattanooga H/R create a site,
www.Chattanooga.gov for retirees to access information affecting benefits, etc.?
When was this presentation first given by H/R to the elected officials or the mayor's office?
When did the retirees first know about the change? I can tell you it was November 14, 2017, when it was on the amended agenda for that night to be approved by the council. Note the date for changes to take place January 1, 2018.
April 25, 2017 a resolution # 29004, was passed by City Council to continue health plan to actives and retirees beginning July 1, 2017 for three-year term with option of two one-year renewal terms. Why was that necessary if they knew the plan was going to change?
Someone needs to answer these questions in writing. With most retirees having given 25-35 years of service, we know what was given as a benefit if we fulfilled our service to the city.
As everyone will notice there are many questions and still no clear answers. Every retirees should contact the City Council members for answers.
Margaret H. Chastain