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NEA^® Retiree Health Program

Get help paying for costs not covered by Medicare—plus discounts on dental, vision care and more

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overview

Cover the gaps in your Medicare coverage

The NEA^® Retiree Health Program provides coverage for the roughly 20% of expenses not covered by Medicare. If you’re over 65, you and your spouse/domestic partner are guaranteed acceptance during open enrollment. Stay in control of your medical care with your choice of doctors and hospitals.

Get help paying for expenses not covered by Medicare
You’re covered for pre-existing conditions if you’re replacing an existing plan
You’ll receive nationwide coverage that keeps pace with Medicare’s annual changes
Your benefits automatically increase to cover Medicare’s gaps
Switch to the NEA Plan of your choice with no waiting period or lapse in coverage*
Get additional discounts on dental care, chiropractic care, vision care, hearing care and vitamins

how it helps

Have more control over your health care

Lower Group Rates

The NEA^® Retiree Health Program’s rates are, on average, lower than the nation’s most popular Medicare supplement program. That means if you already have a Medicare supplement policy, and you switch, you could get extra spending money every month. You can check rates by state with this interactive map.

Freedom of Choice

The NEA Plan is not an HMO. Choose your own doctors and hospitals.

Easy Eligibility

You cannot be turned down due to health reasons! No physical exam is ever required and you don’t have to answer any health questions when you sign up during open enrollment periods or when you’re enrolling in Medicare Part B for the first time.

Dependability

The NEA Members Insurance Trust selected United American Insurance Company to underwrite this program because of their reliable history serving policy holders with quality insurance since 1947 and their rating of A+ Superior by A.M. Best (7/17).

How It Works

Start your coverage and protect your future

Learn more about the NEA^® Retiree Health Program

Check Rates by State with this interactive map.
Learn about Eligibility & Guaranteed Acceptance and Read Additional Provisions.
For a summary of benefits and comparison of all Medicare supplement plans in the program, see the NEA Retiree Health Program: Summary of Benefits.
Learn about the Best Benefits Discount Program, Including Emergency Travel Service
Read about Medicare Advantage (Part C).
Glossary of insurance terms.

How to enroll

Make sure you’re signed in to your NEA Member Benefits account and click “Get Information by Mail” or “Print an Enrollment Kit” above.
If you would prefer to apply by phone, make sure you’re signed in to your NEA Member Benefits account and call the NEA Retiree Health Program hotline at 844-213-1556.
Enroll during your Medicare initial enrollment period, beginning three months before you turn age 65 and ending three months after you turn age 65.
Enroll during the Medicare annual Open Enrollment period from October 15 through December 7.

FAQs

Your questions, answered

If you have questions not covered here, please call the NEA Retiree Health Program hotline, toll-free at 1-844-213-1556 (Mon-Fri: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT). Friendly service representatives will be glad to assist you.

Is it difficult to get this coverage?

No physical exam is required to get coverage under any plan option. During Open Enrollment periods or when you enroll in Medicare Part B for the first time, no health questions are asked and you cannot be turned down for health reasons.

Can my spouse get the coverage also?

Yes. As long as you remain a NEA member and a participant of this program and your spouse is eligible for Medicare and is age 65 or over, she/he may get this coverage.

What if I already have a Medicare Supplement policy?

You can switch to the NEA Retiree Health Program without ever losing a day of coverage.

How do I know which is the right plan for me?

Two considerations when selecting your Plan Option are: (1) how much out-of-pocket expense can you afford to pay, and; (2) how much do you want to pay for a supplement plan. Each of the plan options provides a different level of insurance protection. You should compare them and fit them to your personal needs and budget. We recommend you give special consideration to plan options F, G and N. To help you make an informed decision, a detailed benefit chart for all 10 plan options is on the Summary Page.

How often will my rate change?

Rates can change once each year. The claims experience of the NEA Retiree Health Program is reviewed annually by the NEA Members Insurance Trust. If changes are needed in the premium rate schedules due to the overall claims experience of the program, your premium rate will change for this reason. For certain states, premium rates will also increase based on your attained age, up to and including age 70, regardless of the claims experience of the program. All claims experience premium rate changes and any applicable attained age premium increases are combined into one single rate change for your policy, once a year.

Are the program costs competitive?

Yes, the NEA program’s exclusive premium rates are extremely competitive—we have lower rates on average than most popular Medicare Supplement Programs. The NEA Members Insurance Trust evaluates the plans offered and the premium rates annually to ensure these remain competitive. In most states, your premium rate is determined by your age when you enroll. Please review the applicable plans and premium rate schedules offered in your residence state to understand your cost when you enroll.^†

Is it difficult to file a claim?

No. Most hospitals—inpatient or outpatient—and skilled nursing facilities file special forms directly with United American. Part B claims information is received directly from Medicare, virtually eliminating your need to file. And, with “Automatic” Claims Filing (ACF), most claims are handled automatically when doctors accept Medicare assignment. ACF is “paperless!” You do nothing!

What happens if the government increases the Medicare deductibles and co-payments?

The NEA Retiree Health Program is designed specifically to automatically match any increase in Medicare deductibles or co-payments.

I’m in great health. Do I really need insurance to supplement Medicare?

Yes. Even if you’re healthy now, there’s always the chance you will be in an accident, or you’ll develop an illness later on.

Can I choose my own doctor?

Yes. There are no lists to limit your choices. You have the freedom to choose any doctor or medical facility that accepts Medicare.

Will my coverage be canceled if I get sick?

No. As long as you pay your premiums, remain an eligible NEA member, and the Program remains in force, your coverage will continue regardless of your health or the number of claims you file. (Of course, you may cancel your coverage whenever you wish.)

I’ve heard a lot about Medicare Advantage. What do I need to do if I want to keep my original Medicare and my NEA Retiree Health Plan?

Nothing. You can stay with the original Medicare and your NEA plan without lifting a finger.

How can I find out more about Medicare Advantage?

For a copy of the booklet “Medicare & You”. You may also refer to our consumer guide to Understanding Medicare and Medicare Supplement Insurance.

NEA Hearing Aid Discount

Save up to 20-50% on the best doctor-recommended hearing aids for yourself and your adult family members—including your parents—plus a hearing exam, programming, delivery and fitting, adjustments and follow-up services at a local provider. NEA members may save up to $2,000 versus local office prices.

Learn More

NEA^® CarePlus Hospital Insurance Plan

If you’re 65 and older, you can get help paying for some of the costs associated with a hospital stay and recovery time that your health insurance may not cover, such as over-the-counter drugs, child and pet care, meals and more.

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Terms & Conditions

* Members who switch to the NEA Plan could be subject to waiting periods if they do not enroll during an open enrollment period.

† Your rate depends on your particular circumstances and not all members will save. The NEA Members Insurance Trust provides this information to assist you in comparing the options that may be available. Please read the Summary of Benefit for additional details to help make an informed choice that works for you.

NEA^® Retiree Health Program

Get help paying for costs not covered by Medicare—plus discounts on dental, vision care and more

Cover the gaps in your Medicare coverage