Meetings Set in Southeast PA to Help State Retirees Choose Best Plan to Continue Health Car...(atare refusing care would reverse their ...),Health

The Office of Administration announced in September that health care benefits for state retirees will change May 1 to address health care costs that have skyrocketed 63 percent -- from $336 million to $550 million -- in the past four years. The change does not alter any benefits retirees now receive. Instead, it combines Medicare Parts A and B, Medicare supplemental and major medical coverage.

Under the new health care plan, the commonwealth will continue to provide comprehensive health and prescription benefits for retirees by improving efficiency while reducing paperwork and saving an estimated $94 million in the first year.

The deadline was extended to March 21 to allow retirees more time to make informed decisions in selecting an HMO, PPO or the Advantra Freedom fee-for-service plan that replaces the current state-administered Medicare fee-for-service plan.

EDITOR'S NOTE: A copy of the mailing to state retirees in southeast Pennsylvania (including the list of informational meetings) is available at http://www.state.pa.us/retireehealth. Reporters can request the list of southeast region hospitals accepting and not accepting the Advantra Freedom plan by calling 717-772-4237.

CONTACT: Mia DeVane

(717) 772-4237