Meetings will explain upcoming health insurance changes for retirees

Retirees on Holston's health insurance plan are encouraged to attend one of 10 conference-wide meetings to learn more about changes that will go into effect on Jan. 1 and to get assistance in filling out necessary paperwork.

The change from the current insurance plan will result in more than a 50 percent decrease in premiums, but will require enrollment in a new plan, according to Patty Muse, chair of the Board of Pensions' Retiree Health Insurance Task Force.

"We have a found a plan that benefits everyone," said Muse. "It's good for the conference, good for the retirees. This is good news."

The new plan, called BlueAdvantage Plus, was "tailored" for Holston Conference by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and includes the Medicare Part D drug program, Muse said.

While subscribers will see reductions in their own premiums, Holston Conference will save $1 million within a year, Muse said.

The change affects about 650 retirees, mostly clergy, who received explanatory letters from Muse and Board of Pensions Chair Charlie Harr last week.

Retirees will also receive by mail a packet of information from BlueCross BlueShield, according to Kathy Parker, pension and health administrator in the conference's Johnson City office.

The packet will include an enrollment form that should be completed by Dec. 15.

"We hope retirees will come to the meetings, and they can fill out their forms there," Muse said.

The meetings begin Oct. 30 at Cokesbury Center in Knoxville, Tenn., and will continue in different locations in the conference through Nov. 15. Board of Pensions members and BlueCross BlueShield representatives will be available to explain the changes, Parker said.

Subscribers are not required to attend the meetings, Parker added, "but we hope they'll send someone - a person with power of attorney, for instance - to at least listen," Parker said.

In June, the Annual Conference approved a Board of Pensions recommendation allowing the Board to change the insurance plan if it benefited retirees.

"This new plan will accomplish that charge," said the Rev. Clyde McDonald, conference treasurer.

It's important to make reservations for the meetings by calling 1-800-247-8510, Parker emphasized.

Oct. 30: 9 a.m. at Cokesbury Center
(Knoxville District)

Nov. 3: 2 p.m. at Brainerd UMC
(Chattanooga District)

Nov. 7: 2 p.m. at First Cleveland UMC
(Cleveland District)

Nov. 9: 9 a.m. at Cokesbury Center
(Knoxville District)

Nov. 10: 2 p.m. at Broadway UMC
(Maryville District)

Nov. 13: 9 a.m. at First Marion UMC
(Abingdon District)

Nov. 13: 2 p.m. at Rocky Gap UMC
(Tazewell District)

Nov. 14: 9 a.m. at Colonial Heights UMC
(Kingsport District)

Nov. 14: 2 p.m. at Munsey Memorial UMC
(Johnson City District)

Nov. 15: 9 a.m. at First White Pine UMC
(Morristown District)

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