January 2023
Group Medicare for Retiring Employees
In a recent Gallup 
poll of U.S. workers, 64% said that a major increase in pay and benefits was the most important factor when deciding whether or not to take a new job. Clearly, workers realize that the job market favors them, especially when they see companies raising wages and delivering richer benefits — including health benefits — to hire and keep top talent.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) is here with alternatives to historical solutions, and ways to take advantage of robust Group Medicare and Medicare Advantage offerings.
Almost 5.1 million beneficiaries had Medicare Advantage benefits through an employer group plan last year. The total percentage of people in retiree group plans has held steady since 2010. But the number of Medicare Advantage enrollees has increased from 1.8 million to 5.1 million in that same time frame.
Retiree Group Medicare plans, such as Blue Cross Group Medicare Advantage (PPO)SM, demonstrate your commitment to your workers by giving them health benefits not only during their working years, but also during retirement once they become Medicare-eligible.
How does Group Medicare work?
Our Medicare Advantage and MAPD plans are designed to meet the unique needs of your current retiree populations, and to support them as they transition to Medicare. Additionally, your active employees can comfortably continue their relationship with us as they age into Medicare and retirement.
In addition to covering benefits under Medicare Parts A and B, Retiree Group Medicare Advantage and MAPD plans often provide:
- Dental, vision and hearing services
- Free gym membership with access to 16,000 locations and online options
- Virtual provider visits, including psychiatric services and mental health specialty services
- A member rewards program to encourage healthy actions
- A discount program providing thousands of savings options
- In-home assessment by a Nurse Practitioner
- 24/7 Nurseline
There’s also significantly less administrative burden for you. Our dedicated account team works with you to provide guidance and solutions to those post-65 populations moving from a commercial insurance program to a Medicare Advantage option.
Our customized service model helps your retirees minimize any disruption. We partner with you by providing:
- Professional account management led by an account executive and supported by experienced retiree group Medicare experts
- A suite of communications materials and expertise in member outreach and education
- Clinical transition to minimize retiree disruption
- Streamlined implementation by our experienced team ensuring a smooth transition
- Medicare customer service with a seasoned team focused on retiree needs and addressing questions and concerns quickly and thoroughly
The bottom-line for you and your retirees:
A Group Medicare Advantage or Medicare Advantage Part D plan can assist with your long-term planning and goals. And your retirees’ will have the comfort of staying with a carrier they know and trust.
Call your account executive today to learn more about Group Retiree Medicare plan options.
Sources: Gallup, The Top 6 Things Employees Want in Their Next Job, 2022 ; KFF, Medicare Advantage in 2022: Enrollment Update and Key Trends, 2022 .
PPO plans provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois which refers to HCSC Insurance Services Company (HISC). PPO employer/union group plans provided by Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company (HCSC). HCSC and HISC are Independent Licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. HCSC and HISC are Medicare Advantage organizations with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in these plans depends on contract renewal.
