Chair Talk
July 2005
As of July 1, 2005 all retirees that previously had Aetna as their State Health Plan administrator have all been transferred over to Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Blue Cross, Employee Benefits and SERA representatives jointly participated in 30 meetings throughout the State to explain the changes and respond to retiree questions. There were more than 1400 Aetna retirees that attended the meetings. I had the opportunity to attend several of the meetings and for the most part there were not a whole lot of retirees that objected to the transfer after hearing the reasons for the change. The presentation of the program provided by representatives of Blue Cross and Employee Benefits were thorough and informative. I am sure that SERA representatives may still receive calls about the change. Questions about the changes can be referred to Blue Cross (1-800-843-4876) or State of MI (1-877-766-6447).
I had recently established a SERA Technology Committee and had asked for volunteers to serve on this committee. To date, I only have two names to serve on the committee, I was hoping for a few more. If you are interested in serving on this committee please contact me. As soon as we have a few more names, we can get the committee going.
I recently attended a three day Express Scripts Outcomes Conference in St. Louis. The various subjects/workshops were interesting and I think I learned more about prescription drugs than I figured I could learn. In spite of what some retirees might think, I believe that Express Scripts is attempting to provide cost savings to the State as well as retirees. I’ve been told that annual drug costs to the State (for retirees) is about $139 million.
I have asked Ron Tyson (Senior Account Director) and Lisa Stout (Senior Account Manager) of Express Scripts to attend and be our speakers at the August 5, 2005 CC luncheon/meeting. I have asked them to speak about the “third-tier” formulary and how the $30 co-pay is arrived at. Peggy Moczul (Director of Employee Benefits) will also attend the August meeting.
The Vision Care Benefit contract has been passed for bids. The selection committee will be meeting shortly to go over the bids that have been received. I will be sitting on that committee as a representative of SERA.
I have not heard anything from Mr. Fink (OSE) as to any other changes in our Health Care Benefits. I have asked several questions of Mr. Fink and am still waiting for answers. I do not believe that we are in for any changes this year. If I become aware of any changes and/or improvements in benefits, I will contact the SERA Chapter Presidents and post the notices on our website.
Editor’s note: Bob Kopasz is Chair of the Michigan SERA Council. He may be reached at P.O. Box 692, Mt. Morris, MI 48458; phone 810/240-8380
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