How does the new coverage compare to the coverage through the Humana plans?
Coverage and features are substantially equivalent to what retired members have today through Humana.
Your out-of-pocket costs when filling prescriptions at a retail pharmacy will be the same or less. These include:
- same $5 copay for up to a 31-day supply of generic medications
- coinsurance for formulary brand drugs reduced from 30% to 25% for up to a 31-day supply
- a lower out-of-pocket maximum on the prescription drug plan (there will be a lower cap on the amount you can be required to pay out-of-pocket for covered prescription drugs in a calendar year)
How much will coverage cost in 2027?
There will be no monthly premium for 2027. Although the actual premium cost is $284 per covered person per month, the Board will fully subsidize the premium for 2027 so there is no premium cost to you. The Board will determine and share member costs and any potential subsidy for 2028 in summer 2027.
Will I have to switch my doctors?
Approximately 94% of Humana plan network providers are also UnitedHealthcare network providers.
What happens if my provider does not accept Medicare Advantage plans or participates in Medicare but does not accept UnitedHealthcare?
The UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Advantage (PPO) plan does not require a provider to have a contract with UnitedHealthcare. Under this plan, the provider will be paid the same as Medicare would pay. Many providers accept this type of plan once they understand they do not need a contract and they will be paid the same as Medicare will pay. UnitedHealthcare will be happy to reach out to your provider to discuss how the plan works and how they will be paid.
Are additional benefits included with the UnitedHealthcare plan beyond medical coverage?
The UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Advantage (PPO) plan includes dental, vision, and hearing benefits, as well as Renew Active, a Medicare fitness program offering a gym membership, access to online classes, and activities outside of the gym — all at no additional cost.
Will my prescription drugs still be covered?
Prescription drug coverage will be similar to your current coverage. Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, Part D prescription drug coverage will be provided through Express Scripts Medicare (PDP) as part of the Post-Retirement Medical Plan. If a medication you are currently taking is not on the Express Scripts Medicare formulary, Express Scripts will send you a letter prior to Jan 1, 2027, suggesting alternative formulary medication for you to discuss with your doctor. Benistar Admin. Services representatives can explain the Express Scripts Medicare plan details and answer any questions you may have.
Who is Benistar Admin. Services?
Benistar Admin. Services is a nationally recognized organization that specializes in retiree health benefits offered by organizations like the Board of Pensions. With more than 25 years of experience, they support hundreds of thousands of members and thousands of organizations. The Benistar customer service center is staffed by specialists who are fully trained in Medicare plans. There’s no time limit to your calls — so you can be sure to get your questions answered and feel prepared to make an informed decision. Benistar can be reached at 800-236-4782.
When will more information about the new coverage be available?
Plan guides and benefits overviews will be available from UnitedHealthcare and Express Scripts in September. If you’re currently enrolled in the Humana plans, you’ll receive an enrollment package mailed from Benistar to your home address on file in early October. The package will include detailed information about the benefits provided by the UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Advantage (PPO) plan with Express Scripts Medicare (PDP) prescription drug coverage, along with instructions for opting out of this coverage if you choose.
When can I review my options for 2027?
You can review your options during Medicare Open Enrollment, Oct. 15-Dec. 7, 2026. The Board will provide resources and support to help you understand the new plans and make the best decision for your situation.
Will I receive information directly from UnitedHealthcare and Express Scripts?
Yes. In addition to communications from the Board, you will receive information directly from UnitedHealthcare and Express Scripts about your coverage, benefits, enrollment, and other important details as the transition approaches.
What support will be available to help me make a decision?
You will receive plan materials, prescription drug information, transition support, guidance on next steps, and opportunities to learn more through webinars. In addition, representatives from Benistar are available to answer questions. If you decide the Post-Retirement Medical Plan is not right for you, Benistar can connect you with expert advisers who can help you determine if another Medicare Advantage plan or a supplemental (Medigap) plan may better meet your needs, at no cost to you.
Will I need to enroll?
You do not need to enroll if you are currently enrolled in the Humana plans. Unless you opt out, you will automatically transition to the UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Advantage (PPO) plan with Express Scripts Medicare (PDP) prescription drug coverage, effective Jan. 1, 2027. This automatic transition is intended to make the change easier for you and help ensure you do not have a lapse in coverage.
Can I enroll in the UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Advantage (PPO) plan and not enroll in prescription drug coverage?
Enrollment in the Post-Retirement Medical Plan is for both the UnitedHealthcare and Express Scripts plans. Enrollment in one without the other is not permitted.
When will I get my new ID cards?
Your UnitedHealthcare medical ID card and Express Scripts prescription drug ID card should arrive before Jan. 1, 2027. Starting Jan. 1, use your UnitedHealthcare ID card when visiting the doctor or other healthcare providers and use your Express Scripts ID card when filling prescriptions. You should securely discard your Humana ID cards after Dec. 31, 2026.
How do I opt out of the 2027 Post-Retirement Medical Plan?
We understand that the new plans may not be the right option for everyone. You will receive instructions about how to opt out in early fall. During the Medicare Open Enrollment period (Oct. 15-Dec. 7, 2026), you’ll have the opportunity to choose other coverage for 2027 and pay the full cost.
What happens if I opt out of Board-sponsored coverage?
If you opt out, you will not be enrolled in the UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Advantage (PPO) plan with Express Scripts Medicare (PDP) prescription drug coverage for 2027, and you will not be eligible to enroll in Board-sponsored coverage at a later date unless the Board holds an open enrollment.
What if I previously waived post-retirement medical coverage?
Retired members, spouses, and surviving spouses who previously waived coverage and are not currently enrolled in the Humana plans are not eligible to participate in the Post-Retirement Medical Plan offered through UnitedHealthcare and Express Scripts Medicare.
I am planning to retire in 2026. Can I still enroll in the Humana plan?
Yes, you may enroll in the plan and remain enrolled through 2026. Your coverage will transition to UnitedHealthcare and Express Scripts for 2027, unless you opt out. You can choose coverage for 2027 during the Medicare Open Enrollment period (Oct. 15-Dec. 7, 2026).
Why is the Board changing plans for 2027?
Significant changes in Medicare Advantage funding by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) increased reimbursement-related costs for Medicare Advantage plans. As costs increased, the Board used plan reserves so that plan members paid no premiums in 2025 and 2026. That’s why the Board and Humana mutually agreed to end their contract, effective Dec. 31, 2026. As a result, the Humana Group Medicare Advantage PPO plan and Humana Group Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) will no longer be offered, beginning Jan. 1, 2027.
After evaluating available options, the Board selected UnitedHealthcare and Express Scripts to provide post-retirement medical and prescription drug coverage for 2027. The Board’s goal in making this selection was to be able to offer high-quality, comprehensive coverage that is substantially equivalent to what retired members have now, at an affordable cost.
Why did the Board choose UnitedHealthcare and Express Scripts?
The Board conducted an extensive evaluation that included plan design, service capabilities, provider access, and overall value. The Board wanted to continue to offer high-quality, comprehensive coverage through a network of providers that is as similar as possible to the current network. The Board also spoke with client references and another organization within the Church Benefits Association about its experience with UnitedHealthcare. Express Scripts has provided prescription drug coverage for the Board’s active members since 2021.
Who should I contact with questions?
Benistar representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m. ET, at 800-236-4782.