IHF Introduces Medicare Advantage Plan to its Benefit Offerings
Through its partnership with UnitedHealthcare, effective January 1, 2024, the IHF introduced the UnitedHealthcare® Group Medicare Advantage PPO plan for Medicare retirees and spouses. The Medicare Advantage plan delivers all the benefits of original Medicare (Parts A and B), includes prescription drug coverage (Part D), and offers additional benefits and features. Although the plan is not a supplemental plan and does not pay secondary to Medicare, it does work similar in that participants have little-to-no out-of-pocket cost for healthcare services when using the coverage.
As a UnitedHealthcare® Group Medicare Advantage PPO plan member, Medicare retirees are provided with benefits and services beyond what is provided with original Medicare. Participants will have a team committed to understanding their needs, assisting in getting the care they need, and in managing their health. UnitedHealthcare® will connect participants to health and wellness resources and even help to schedule preventive care, including arranging an annual wellness visit. Below are highlights of what the new plan offers:
UNITEDHEALTHCARE® HOUSE CALLS
An in-home visit designed to complement physician care. A licensed health care practitioner will review participants’ health history and current medications, perform a health screening to help identify health risks, and provide health education.
24/7 NURSE SUPPORT
Participants can speak to a registered nurse anytime about medical concerns and questions.
REWARDS
Participants earn rewards for taking an active role in their health and wellness by completing and reporting certain health care activities.
RENEW ACTIVE®
Renew Active® is the gold standard in Medicare fitness programs for body and mind. Participants receive a free gym membership with access to the largest Medicare fitness network of gyms and fitness locations.
RENEW BY UNITEDHEALTHCARE®
Access is provided to UnitedHealthcare’s online member-only Health & Wellness Experience.
VIRTUAL VISITS
Live video chat with a provider from a computer, tablet or smartphone — anytime, day or night. This benefit can be used for minor health care concerns such as cough/cold, allergies, fever, flu or sore throat. Participants also have access to Virtual Behavioral Health Visits, which are great for behavioral health concerns such as stress and anxiety, or depression.
PHARMACY CHOICE
Participants can choose from thousands of pharmacies across the United States — including national chain, regional, and independent local retail pharmacies.
Retirees can also see any provider (in-network or out-of-network) at the same cost share if the provider has not opted out of or been excluded or precluded from Medicare.
The benefit package for Medicare retirees also includes secondary prescription drug coverage through SavRx, keeping prescription costs low for Medicare retirees. SavRx will serve as the preferred vendor for mail-order prescriptions for Medicare retirees.
This benefit is provided exclusively to retirees with coverage through the BAC International Health Fund. IHF participants with questions can contact the Fund Office at 1-888-880-8222.