“Chancellor Malloy and the University of Maine System Board of Trustees are committed to providing university retirees with supplemental health insurance on top of their Medicare coverage that is cost effective and delivers value and flexibility for plan participants. With only about 3,000 beneficiaries spread across the country with unique healthcare needs, a traditional group health plan with escalating costs and out-of-pocket expenses was no longer the best option for retirees or fiscally sustainable for the University System.
“Retirees and eligible spouses now have an opportunity to enroll in supplemental medical and drug coverage through Aon Retiree Health Exchange with coverage provided by more than 100 insurers including Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, and United Healthcare. The University of Maine System is providing Healthcare Reimbursement Account contributions of up to $2,900 for a retiree and spouse to cover premium and out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
“Health insurance is complicated and access to care can be critical to the retiree community. Nearly 400 beneficiaries are already enrolled in plans and experts with AON will have met with and helped answer questions for more than 2,300 retirees and spouses by the end of this week.
“Chancellor Malloy and the Board of Trustees understand the concerns of beneficiaries and are monitoring communication and enrollment programs closely to ensure that no retiree loses supplemental coverage as a result of this transition.”
Please Attribute Statement to Dan Demeritt, University of Maine System Director of Public Affairs
Communications with UMS Retirees / Stakeholders
UMS Website Tracking Transition to the AON Retiree Health Exchange, Updated Weekly
Chancellor Malloy’s Letter to Retirees and FAQS, October 9, 2020
Chancellor Malloy’s Letter to Maine Legislators, September 30, 2020
UMS Budget Context — $2.5 million in anticipated annual savings from transition
UMS Trustees Approve Final $550 Million Spending Plan, bridging $5.69 million shortfall and $2.25 million state curtailment amidst pandemic that has resulted in $80 million in unanticipated COVID expenses and lost revenue, October 28, 2020
Facts and Data on Medicare and Medigap Coverage in Maine: Medicare in Maine
- Medicare Advantage enrollment in Maine grows sharply, reaching 43% of beneficiaries
- Maine has extensive consumer protections related to Medigap coverage