Join us to learn more about Medicare basics, how Medicare Advantage and Part D plans work in the postal program, and what to consider when considering a Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plan.
The Wellness Webinars are scheduled on the following Wednesdays from 12-1 pm EDT:
Visit www.keepingposted.org to register.
Join us to learn more about Medicare basics, how Medicare Advantage and Part D plans work in the postal program, and what to consider when considering a Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plan.
The Wellness Webinars are scheduled on the following Wednesdays from 12-1 pm EDT:
Visit www.keepingposted.org to register.
Join us to learn more about Medicare basics, how Medicare Advantage and Part D plans work in the postal program, and what to consider when considering a Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plan.
The Wellness Webinars are scheduled on the following Wednesdays from 12-1 pm EDT:
Visit www.keepingposted.org to register.
It is important to understand the ins and outs of health insurance provider networks so that you can make informed decisions about your care. By understanding your coverage, you can help to keep your health care costs down.
What Is a Health Insurance Provider Network?
In-Network: Health insurance companies contract with doctor’s offices and hospitals to pay lower prices for their services, in return for more patient traffic. The provider agrees to accept the lower rate, which includes your copay or coinsurance, as payment in full. These providers – doctors, specialists and hospitals – are considered in-network.
Out-of-Network: If a doctor or hospital is not contracted with your health insurance plan then they are out-of-network. This means there is no discount applied to the service you receive from that provider and you may be charged a much higher rate than if the provider had been in-network. The APWU Health Plan covers out-of-network services but you will be responsible for higher coinsurance and deductibles.
Why Does It Matter?
When you see a network provider, you can feel confident that s/he or the facility has met certain qualifications, such as educational background, safety measures and board certifications, required by your insurance company. This assurance of quality is in addition to the in-network cost savings you will receive by going to your insurance company’s approved providers.
How your plan pays for out-of-network services depends on the type of coverage you have. You can learn about the APWU Health Plans cover services on our website https://www.apwuhp.com/our-plans/compare-plan-options/ or in our plan brochures.
The type of health insurance plan you have will determine how much you pay for in-network and out-of-network care. For example, HMO plans typically require you to use in-network providers for all care, while PPO plans like the APWU Health Plan allow you to see out-of-network providers for a higher cost.
Even if a provider is in-network, you may still have to pay a copay or coinsurance for their services. The amount of your copay or coinsurance will vary depending on the type of service you receive and your health insurance plan.
Here are some tips for staying in-network:
For more information about how the APWU Health Plan covers in and out-of-network care please review our plan brochure. If you don’t have a brochure you can download one online, request one on our website https://www.apwuhp.com/request-a-brochure/ or call our Customer Service and we will mail you a brochure.
If your child is turning 26 soon you may need to make some insurance coverage changes.
Your child’s health insurance coverage continues for no charge for 31 days after their birthday. After that, they are not covered under your FEHB Health Benefits plan.
If your child still needs insurance coverage the Health Plan will send them a letter with instructions on how to enroll in our conversion plan insurance option. Your child can purchase a Temporary Continuation of Coverage from your current insurer or buy health insurance through the marketplace (www.heatlhcare.gov).
If you want to stay in a Self and Family Health Benefits Plan, typically insuring more than two people, you do not need to take any action.
If you want to change your health insurance plan type to cover two or less people, you need to contact your payroll office. They will be able to switch your plan type for you and reduce the premiums taken from your paycheck. The APWU Health Plan is an insurance carrier and can’t make this switch for you as it impacts your paycheck.
You can learn more about this process by visiting the OPM website https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/life-events/memy-family/my-childs-status-is-changing/.
Have you moved recently? We want to keep in touch with you. The Health Plan offers a few ways to update your mailing address.
Congratulations on your marriage! You have 60 days from your marriage date to add your spouse to your insurance policy. If you miss this deadline you have to wait to add them until the next insurance Open Season or until another qualifying life event allows you to make a change.
You will need to submit proof of your marriage to your payroll office. Typically they require the marriage certificate, along with the enrollment forms. They require this proof to confirm that your spouse is eligible to be on your plan and that you are allowed to make a change to your insurance outside the normal time frame.
Instructions on how to change your insurance enrollment can be found here https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/plan-information/enroll/#Employees
If you have questions about the insurance enrollment process you can contact your Human Resources Office. If you are a Federal Employee and you are unsure who to contact you can find a list of agency benefit officers here https://www.opm.gov/retirement-services/benefits-officers-center/agency-benefits-officers. Postal Employees can reach their Human Resources office at 1-877-477-3273, choose option 5 to speak with a Benefits Specialist.
Your payroll office will process the insurance enrollment form, change your premium withholding, and notify the health plan of the change. Once the paperwork is processed you will receive a letter or a digital onscreen confirmation of the date that your spouse’s coverage will start.
