Transitioning from Individual and Family Plans to Medicare
Via Benefits Insurance Services is here to guide you through your transition from an Individual and Family health plan to a new Medicare health plan when you become Medicare-eligible. There are just a few things to consider before you transition.
Existing Via Benefits Profile
If you have an existing Via Benefits profile, and you're transitioning from an individual health plan to an individual Medicare health plan, we need additional information from you. Call us to verify the information we currently have on file is up-to-date. In addition, we need your Medicare information so we can provide quotes for Medicare plans.
Funding
When you transitioned to individual coverage, it's likely you weren't required to enroll in a health plan through Via Benefits to qualify for contributions to your Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) or to receive reimbursements. However, you're likely to be required to once you become Medicare-eligible.
Medicare plan premiums typically cost less than Individual and Family Plan premiums. If you received funding when you transitioned to individual coverage, the amount you receive once you become Medicare-eligible is typically less due to the lower premiums.
Enrollment
Unlike Individual and Family Plans, some Medicare plans don't incorporate a drug benefit. There are two types of Medicare plans that don't include prescription coverage:
Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plans. If you choose to enroll in a Medigap plan, you must also get a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or you may face a penalty.
Medicare Advantage plans. Some Medicare Advantage plans don't include a drug benefit. Plans that do incorporate a drug benefit are called Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans.
Call us at 1-866-322-2824 (TTY: 711) to speak with a Via Benefits licensed benefit advisor* so they can help you decide which Medicare plan option fits your specific needs and budget.
You can't enroll in a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan and a stand-alone Medicare Prescription Drug Plan at the same time. If you do, the last plan you enroll in is the plan that's issued.
Canceling an Individual or Family Plan
If you currently have an individual plan, make sure the plan is canceled prior to the day your Medicare plan starts. If you're on a plan with your family, make sure to have yourself removed from that plan (without canceling the family plan) before your new Medicare plan starts. A Via Benefits representative can assist you with this process when you call us to enroll in your Medicare plan. Call us at 1-866-322-2824 (TTY: 711) for assistance with your transition.
*Our licensed benefit advisors specialize in health insurance for retirees. They go through annual training and certification to ensure they can help you make an informed and confident decision.