Provider Link: United Healthcare

1. You are a participant in the FRS Pension Plan and are leaving County service to receive regular, early, or disability retirement benefits, or

2. You are a participant in the FRS Investment Plan, are leaving County service and
a) meet the age and service requirements to qualify for normal retirement, i.e. age 62 and vested or 30 years of service (age 55 and vested or 25 years of service for Special Risk); or
b) have 6 years of creditable service and have reached age 59 ½.

The Health Plan also requires that you reside in the U.S. Plan design and premiums can be changed at any time with Board approval. Your enrollment form must be received in Employee Benefits within 31 days of your leaving active employment. This is your only opportunity to enroll in the group plans.

HIPAA
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, known as HIPAA, protects plan participants by limiting exclusions for preexisting medical conditions. The law also requires plans to adopt Group Health Plan Privacy Practices with regard to your confidential medical information.

Non-Medicare Retirees
You may enroll in the United HealthCare Choice Plus POS, Choice Plus HRA, or the Choice Plus HSA. These are the same choices you had as an active employee.

A summary of covered benefits is provided here:

Non-Medicare Benefits Comparison Chart

For more details, review the Benefit Schedules, the Plan Summaries, and the Summary of Material Modifications as they pertain to each plan.

Choice Plus POS:

• Benefit Schedule
• Summary Plan Description
• Summary of Material Modification

Choice Plus HRA:

• Benefit Schedule
• Summary Plan Description
• Summary of Material Modification

Choice Plus HSA:

• Benefit Schedule
• Summary Plan Description
• Summary of Material Modification

United Healthcare provides an interactive website www.myuhc.com which you may access to obtain claims information, print temporary ID cards and order ID cards, locate providers, compare hospitals, check treatment costs and use as a library for health care topics. United Healthcare Member Services may be reached toll-free at 1-888-478-4752.

Medicare Eligible Retirees/Dependents
You may enroll in the Medicare Advantage PPO plan. This United Heathcare Medicare replacement plan is specifically designed for Pinellas County Government retirees and their dependents. It offers medical, prescription, mental health, and vision benefits.

MEDICARE Enrollment REQUIREMENTS are YOUR Responsibility!
Do not risk incurring greater costs through penalties or losing your retiree coverage!

Question:
What do I need to do if I or any one of my family members on the health plan with me is or becomes Medicare eligible due to age or disability while I am retired?

Answer:
You are required to enroll in Medicare A and B when you become eligible. When at least one covered family member becomes Medicare eligible (because of age or disability), the Medicare eligible member may enroll in the Medicare Advantage PPO plan. Any non-Medicare eligible family member will be enrolled in the Choice Plus POS plan.

If you do NOT enroll in Medicare A & B when eligible, you risk incurring not only greater costs for late application through Social Security, but you risk losing your County coverage. You must notify Employee Benefits immediately when you or your family members become Medicare eligible and send a copy of the Medicare card to us at 400 S. Fort Harrison Avenue, Clearwater, FL 33756-5113. Timely application and proper notification to Benefits will help to ensure your choice of County health plans as well as proper processing of claims. For specific questions on Medicare coverage, check with the Social Security Administration office at 1-800-772-1213.

Question:
What is Medicare D?

Answer:
In 2006 a prescription drug benefit became available under Medicare D and the County had a choice to continue its prescription drug benefit as part of its health plan options if the County’s benefit was at least equal to Medicare D. Since the County offers a prescription benefit that is not only equal to, but exceeds Medicare D, the County chose to maintain the pharmacy benefit in its health plans. You cannot be covered by both Medicare D and County retiree coverage.

You and any family member enrolled in a County plan are advised NOT to enroll in Medicare D when it is offered to you. If you enroll in Medicare D, you will lose your entire health plan coverage. You will not be permitted to enroll back into our plans at a later date.

top of page