Why do retirees still need The Empire Plan after they have primary coverage under Medicare?
A. It is the combination of Medicare coverage plus The Empire Plan that protects enrollees. The Empire Plan becomes secondary and The Empire Plan premium is reduced. The Empire Plan covers the Medicare Part A hospital deductible ($1,068 per hospital stay of one to 60 days in 2009; amount may change yearly) as well as some other medical expenses Medicare does not cover. For example, prescription drugs and hearing aids are not covered under Medicare Part A or Part B, but The Empire Plan for Empire Plan Participating Agencies provides benefits for prescription drugs provides a generous allowance for hearing aids. And, while Medicare does not pay for medical services outside the U.S., Empire Plan benefits are available worldwide. For more detailed information, refer to our publication, Medicare and NYSHIP – June 2006.
Related Questions
- How do the coverages under the Aetna Medicare Open Plan compare to the coverages Aetna retirees currently receive under the Traditional Choice® Indemnity Plan?
- I am Medicare primary; do I need to submit anything during annual enrollment since State Health Plan coverage is secondary?
- How can the Aetna Medicare Open Plan premiums be less expensive when Aetna is the primary payer of my claims?
