Simplifying the Age-In Process for Plan Sponsors and Retirees
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Transitioning into a new benefit plan can be a complex process for both retirees and plan sponsors. At RetireeFirst, we understand the intricacies involved in managing group retiree Medicare enrollments, and we have designed our services to make this transition as seamless as possible. Age-ins are a vital part of our comprehensive offering, ensuring that every aspect of retiree healthcare is managed with care, expertise, and flexibility.
What Are Age-Ins?
Age-ins refer to individuals reaching Medicare eligibility and transition from active employer/union-sponsored health coverage to a Medicare based plan (such as Medicare Advantage) through their group-plan sponsor. This transition is crucial for retirees, and ensuring it happens smoothly is essential. At RetireeFirst, we offer a fully managed process that can be tailored to the unique needs of each client—whether you prefer to handle parts of the transition internally or entrust the entire process to us.
Why the Age-In Process Matters
For retirees, not transitioning into Medicare on time can result in penalties and delayed access to healthcare. In addition, for those entering a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan, enrolling in Parts A & B is a prerequisite.
For plan sponsors, the age-in process is equally critical. Many early retirees remain on the active employee plan, which is often more expensive for the plan sponsor. Transitioning these retirees to a Medicare-based plan not only aligns with regulatory requirements but also helps reduce costs while ensuring the retiree continues to receive quality healthcare coverage.
Client Support
One of the key strengths of RetireeFirst is our ability to adapt to our clients’ existing systems and processes. We accept eligibility data in any format, eliminating the hassle of converting file types or data. Our goal is to understand your current processes and integrate seamlessly.
With your approval, we gather all necessary information upfront and notify retirees of their plan options and any actions needed. Our communication package, also known as a welcome kit, includes:
- An introduction to RetireeFirst
- Required actions for retirees
- The enrollment form
- A pre-enrollment kit from the carrier
- A magnet with our contact information
Retirees are informed of enrollment deadlines, or opt-out timeframes, to ensure compliance with Medicare.
Welcoming New Members as They Age-In
Every new age-in member receives a welcome kit, and we follow a robust, three-step outreach process to ensure no one is left behind:
- Welcome Call: Informing members that their kit is on the way.
- Follow-Up Call: Conducted after the welcome call if we haven’t received their enrollment forms.
- Postcard Reminder: Sent after the second call, if needed.
We manage all communications with retirees and oversee the entire process with the carrier, so plan sponsors can rest assured that everything is handled professionally and efficiently.
Our Commitment
Our dedication to simplifying the age-in process is part of the high-touch service RetireeFirst delivers to all clients. By entrusting us with the complexities of retiree healthcare transitions, plan sponsors can focus on what matters most—providing excellent benefits and support to their retirees. Whether you prefer to be involved in every step or delegate the entire process, RetireeFirst is here to ensure a smooth and stress-free transition into Medicare plans.
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