Client's HR states he cannot disenroll from group health plan when starting Medicare

[newbie2001]

Don't assume HR always knows how Medicare works . . .

This is also true can't get a straight answer from anybody right!

 

[somarco]

This is also true can't get a straight answer from anybody right!

When you are working with programs that originate in DC, the rules are usually not logical and often conflict.

There is almost always a "but if" or "unless" to any rule. The trick is knowing where to look for your answer.

 

[renee15]

As the title states my client's HR department states he cannot disenroll mid-year from his group health plan. This is complete BS. Every single one of my clients who continued to work after 65 were able to drop their group health plan mid-year.

Can someone please advise how to educate the HR department on this? The client started Medicare on 6/1 and is still being charged for his group plan on his paycheck. Client its T65 this June.

Thank you.

why would he want to disenroll? Group plans are pretty good

So I might have overreacted a little bit, have been working with this specific client since April and its been a headache every time they call me. Kids get involved, feeding them wrong info. All kinds of fun stuff.

I called HR and they were actually extremely helpful and we had it resolved in less than 10 minutes.

But from some of the other posters, I will keep in mind having the beneficiary check with their HR departments BEFORE recommending applying to Part B moving forward. I see online where some HR departments will straight up deny disenrollment until the companies open enrollment period.

Thanks for the help everyone.

I always tell clients to start Medicare when they are leaving employment, Cost of part B, cost of Med Supp and drug plan, when company pays most if not all of employees medical insurance. And no to MAPD versus group coverage, in my opinion that would be malpractice.

 

[newbie2001]

why would he want to disenroll? Group plans are pretty good

I always tell clients to start Medicare when they are leaving employment, Cost of part B, cost of Med Supp and drug plan, when company pays most if not all of employees medical insurance. And no to MAPD versus group coverage, in my opinion that would be malpractice.

This client in particular wanted an Advantage plan was able to save money on his Rx's + MOOP & $0 deductible all with a PPO Network.

So worked out just fine.

 

[ValeRosso]

I always tell clients to start Medicare when they are leaving employment, Cost of part B, cost of Med Supp and drug plan, when company pays most if not all of employees medical insurance. And no to MAPD versus group coverage, in my opinion that would be malpractice.

Going from one plan to another (MAPD) that is better in every regard...how is that malpractice in your opinion?

 

[ValeRosso]

So I might have overreacted a little bit, have been working with this specific client since April and its been a headache every time they call me. Kids get involved, feeding them wrong info. All kinds of fun stuff.

I called HR and they were actually extremely helpful and we had it resolved in less than 10 minutes.

But from some of the other posters, I will keep in mind having the beneficiary check with their HR departments BEFORE recommending applying to Part B moving forward. I see online where some HR departments will straight up deny disenrollment until the companies open enrollment period.

Thanks for the help everyone.

Did they deny the disenrollment?

Good info on checking allowable disenrollments.

 

[LeeV]

why would he want to disenroll? Group plans are pretty good

Suggest you take a good look at the group plan in place. I doubt many of them can compete. BTW, I am on the group side, 42 years.

 

[somarco]

Cost of part B, cost of Med Supp and drug plan, when company pays most if not all of employees medical insurance.

My wife opted to work past 65 and stay on her "almost free" EGH.

I would pay her Medigap premium and Part B.

No thanks because my GYN won't take Medicare.

1.5 years later she broke her hip. Hospital, surgeon, PT left us (me) owing $6500.

Versus less than $200 OOP with Medigap.

Six months later she retired . . .

Her "free" EGH wasn't worth it.

No malpractice.

 

[newbie2001]

why would he want to disenroll? Group plans are pretty good

Suggest you take a good look at the group plan in place. I doubt many of them can compete. BTW, I am on the group side, 42 years.

I reviewed the plan in its entirety. Trust me I'm the last the guy to try to hard sell someone coming off of group just so I can collect their Medicare commission.

Waste of time and not good for your conscious.

 

[LeeV]

I reviewed the plan in its entirety. Trust me I'm the last the guy to try to hard sell someone coming off of group just so I can collect their Medicare commission.

Waste of time and not good for your conscious.

Sorry for confusion, I was not replying to you, rather to renee15, who made the comment.