What is the difference between the “Senior Plan” (as the HMOs call it) and the “Medicare HMO” (as the Benefits Office calls it)?
First, both M-CARE and Care Choices offer two Senior Plans. One is an individual plan that anyone can sign up for (individual Senior Plan), and the other is a group plan offered through employers who provide retiree benefits (group Senior Plan). The Medicare HMO and the group Senior Plan referred to by the insurance companies are exactly the same. The University of Michigan’s contract with Care Choices has always included a $10 copay on office visits. However, Care Choices Health Plan, in the past, made a business decision to waive the $10 copay. They have indicated they will collect the copayment at the time services are provided under the new Medicare HMO.
