Nancy Hamant to STRS Board: Know the impact before you adopt Medicare Advantage

From Nancy Hamant, July 18, 2007
Subject: Medicare Advantage--Deep Concerns

Dear STRS Board Members:

You are facing major decisions regarding STRS Health Care for 2008. One of STRS members deepest concerns would be the addition of a Medicare Advantage option. It has been STRS members' assumption that the Medicare Advantage option would be added to both the current Traditional and Basic Options.

However, after reading the SERS comments about SERS's Medicare Advantage Plan for 2008, it appears that if the SERS members do not choose to enroll in Medicare Advantage they will have NO health care from SERS. Hopefully, this is not an accurate understanding of the SERS plan, however, if true, it is totally abhorring to STRS members.

Each day more news is available concerning the problems with Medicare Advantage programs. The most recent follows for your review and consideration before you make any decisions regarding adding a Medicare Advantage option (which seems to be a disadvantage for those who have to use it).

Please do not add Medicare Advantage without knowing how it will impact STRS members, Ohio and the traditional federal Medicare program.

Respectfully,

Nancy B. Hamant