Fermilab no longer provides coverage to Medicare-eligible retirees and dependents via our group PPO and HMO plans with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. All Medicare-eligible retirees and dependents select an individual plan with help from a licensed benefit advisor at Via Benefits.
Fermilab provides a subsidy of $175/month, per person, funded to a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA). The account may be used to pay insurance premiums, Medicare Part B premiums and other health care expenses not covered by insurance. If a retiree is Medicare-eligible and their spouse is not, the spouse remains in the current Fermilab PPO or HMO until Medicare-eligible.
These changes also apply to former employees who are receiving benefits in Fermilab’s Long Term Disability Plan who are eligible for Medicare.
Age-In Process
- Current and future retirees that are not Medicare-eligible will age into the plan.
- Via Benefits sends a letter to the retiree at one year prior to their 65th birthday introducing Via Benefits and explaining what will happen within the next year.
- Via Benefits sends a letter to the retiree at 9 months prior to their 65th birthday about how Via Benefits can assist the retiree and about attending an educational Medicare webinar.
- Via Benefits sends a letter to the retiree at 6 months prior to their 65th birthday with a reminder to enroll in Medicare parts A & B, an explanation about enrollment requirements, and encouraging the retiree to call in and make an appointment.
- Via Benefits sends an enrollment guide and information about HRA funding near their 65th birthday.
- The age-in retiree is eligible for the Via Benefits program the first day of the month following a full month after they turn 65.
- This allows enough time to enroll in Medicare and select a plan through Via Benefits.
Example: Mr. Retiree turns 65 on 06/14/2023. He is eligible for the Via Benefits plan effective 08/01/2023. The group coverage through Fermilab ends on 07/31/2023.
Via Benefits eligibility schedule.
Additional Information
- Medicare-Eligible Retiree Forms
- Towers Watson Via Benefits Guides
- To request a copy of the Summary Plan Description for the retiree medical plan, please contact the Benefits Office.