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Enrollment Information
SHBP 2024 Retiree Decision Guide
Thank you for your interest in UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Advantage PPO plans offered to State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) retirees. We are excited to be one of the 2024 plan offerings.
Unlike traditional PPO plans where you may pay more to see non-contracted doctors and hospitals, with these PPO plans your cost share is the same, regardless of if you see an in-network or out-of-network provider.
Two UnitedHealthcare plan options are available this year: UnitedHealthcare® Group Medicare Advantage Standard plan and UnitedHealthcare® Group Medicare Advantage Premium plan. Both plan options offer you affordable copayments, prescription drug coverage and an annual limit on your out-of-pocket expenses.
What are the differences between the plans?
SHBP offers more than one plan option to choose from. To get an overview of each plan, review plan benefits and costs.
2024 Enrollment Deadline
The Retiree Option Change Period for 2023 took place from October 16 – November 3, 2023.
Enrollment can be as easy as doing nothing! If you are a current UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage member and happy with the plan option you are currently enrolled in, SHBP will automatically enroll you into the same plan option for 2023. If you would like to make a change you will have two ways to enroll in the plan of your choice, but you must make your plan election by November 4, 2023.
- You can go online to www.mySHBPga.adp.com/shbp
OR
- Call the SHBP Member Services Center at 800-610-1863. Extended hours are 8:00 a.m. ET to 6:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, during the Retiree Option Change Period. Standard hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET.
If you do nothing, you will remain in the same plan you have today!
What if the enrollment deadline has passed?
If the Retiree Option Change Period (ROCP) has ended and you are currently Medicare eligible, you will not be able to select another option other than the MA PPO until the next ROCP unless you experience a qualifying event.
It's important to enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B when you first become eligible, during the Initial Enrollment Period under Social Security (if not actively working). Medicare Part B requires a monthly premium payment for coverage, which is determined by when you enroll. In most cases, premium rates increase by 10 percent for each full 12-month period that you could have had Part B, but were not enrolled.
If you will be turning 65 and are currently enrolled in a plan offered by SHBP, you will automatically receive an enrollment kit or Welcome Packet with information on the plans and how to enroll approximately 2-3 months prior to your 65th birthday.
Who can enroll?
To be eligible to enroll in a UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Advantage (PPO) plan offered by SHBP, you must be enrolled in Medicare Part B and Part A, if eligible. If you’re not sure if you’re enrolled in Medicare Part B today, check with your local Social Security office.
You do not need to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B until you retire. But when you are ready to retire, you must sign up for Part A, if eligible, and purchase Part B by contacting Social Security (as early as three months before you turn 65) at 800‑772‑1213, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, TTY users call 800-325-0778. You can also visit the Social Security website, or visit your local Social Security office in person. Be sure to have your name and contact information handy.
What happens after I enroll?
After you make your election, here's what you can expect:
- SHBP will verify your eligibility and send your request to UnitedHealthcare.
- UnitedHealthcare will send your request to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for approval. Approval may take up to one week.
- Once CMS approves your enrollment, you'll be sent a confirmation letter and your plan member ID card from UnitedHealthcare.
- Soon after, you'll receive your Member Packet in the mail from UnitedHealthcare. It includes details about your specific health plan benefits.
Important notes about your plan:
- The UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Advantage PPO plans offered to you by SHBP INCLUDE Part D prescription drug coverage at no additional cost. You will lose your SHBP group health coverage if you enroll in a separate Part D prescription drug plan not offered by SHBP after enrolling in a UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Advantage plan.
- You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium in order to keep your coverage under the SHBP Medicare Advantage Plan. If you stop paying for your Medicare Part B, you will automatically be terminated from the UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Advantage PPO plan offered by SHBP.
- CMS requires you to have a physical street address (not a P.O. Box) to enroll in one of the Medicare Advantage PPO plans.
Need help or have questions?
Already a plan member? Call 877-246-4190, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday. TTY users, call 711. Contact information can also be found on your ID card. Or, contact us.
Not yet a member? For general questions prior to enrollment, call 877-246-4190, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday. TTY users, call 711.