Retiree Medical FAQs

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2020 Retiree Open Enrollment: November 4 – 19, 2019

Frequently Asked Questions

 

  • Question 1. When is Retiree Open Enrollment?

Retiree Open Enrollment begins Monday, November 4, and ends Tuesday, November 19.

  • Question 2. Do I need to act during Retiree Open Enrollment?

You only need to act if you want to make changes to your current retiree medical benefit for 2020 or if you are adding or deleting dependent(s).

  • Question 3. What happens if I don’t make any changes?

If you do not make any changes to your retiree medical benefit during Retiree Open Enrollment, your current coverage will be the same for 2020 with updated premiums.

  • Question 4. How do I make changes to my benefits?

Follow this path to register and enroll on the new Aerospace Benefits Service Center portal: visit https://compass.empyreanbenefits.com/aerospace Review/update your benefit elections and make open enrollment changes. You may also call the Aerospace Benefits Service Center at 844.361.2400, open 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday.

You may call the Aerospace Benefits Service Center at 844.361.2400, open 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday to make changes to your benefits.

  • Question 6. How did you choose Empyrean as our third-party vendor?

Empyrean is a leading benefits administration firm with the capability to administer our benefits for active employees and retirees. Aerospace’s Total Rewards department went through a comprehensive selection process to choose a firm that has a strong reputation for reliable administration and service center representatives trained to answer most questions our participants typically ask. Partnering with Empyrean will help us manage our program more efficiently so that we can continue to offer employees and retirees a comprehensive benefits program.

  • Question 7. What about data security?

Data security was one of the most important criteria Aerospace used in selecting its benefits and administration partners. Empyrean has implemented policies and procedures that are fully compliant with HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules.

  • Question 8. Who can I call if I have questions about my benefits?

If you have questions about your benefits, please contact the new Aerospace Benefits Service Center at 844.361.2400, open 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday.

  • Question 9. What if I have a life status change after Retiree Open Enrollment like a marriage, divorce or death?

Effective January 1, 2020, all “change in status” events must be reported to the Aerospace Benefits Service Center within 31 days of a qualifying event include change of marital status, divorce, etc. You can make this change online by logging in to the portal or calling the Aerospace Benefits Service Center.

 

Change in status events include:

  • Changes to the number of your eligible dependents
  • Loss of other coverage
  • Changes to marital status

 

For more details, contact the Aerospace Benefits Service Center at 844.361.2400.

  • Question 10. Is there anyone at Aerospace I can talk to?

Aerospace Benefits Service Center representatives are trained on Aerospace retiree medical benefits to answer questions about our benefits and enrollment process. Contact them at 844.361.2400, open 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday.

  • Question 11. What is Health Advocate and why would I use them?

Health Advocate helps you navigate the healthcare system – finding providers, learning about a diagnosis, reviewing claims, and more. It’s a different type of support from the Aerospace Benefits Service Center, which helps participants understand the benefit plans and how to enroll in them.

 

 

Question 11.      What are the Retiree Medical rates for 2020?

Your cost for each retiree medical plan option is shown on the Aerospace Benefits Service Center website as well as retirees.aerospace.org. You can also find the medical plan comparison charts and legally mandated General Notices on the retirees.aerospace.org website.

Question 12.      What happens if I and/or dependent becomes Medicare eligible in 2020?

 

If you or any of your dependents become Medicare eligible in 2020, you are required to sign up with Social Security to initiate your Part A & B coverage to continue under the Aerospace retiree medical plan. You will also receive a letter from Aerospace Benefits Service Center notifying you to initiate this process with the Social Security Administration at least two months prior to your 65th birth month

Question 13.      Will my survivor be eligible to continue retiree medical in the event of my death?

                              Yes, your surviving spouse may continue as a survivor under the survivor medical program if the survivor is not eligible for another group medical plan. If the survivor remarries, they can no longer be on the Aerospace retiree medical plan.

Question 14.      I’m enrolling in retiree medical for the first time, how do I pay the premium?

                              You will be direct billed and receive a monthly invoice from Empyrean for your retiree medical premiums. If your AERP pension is large enough to cover the premium amount, you may elect to have the premiums deducted monthly on an after-tax basis.