Health Insurance Deadline Looms For Detroit Retirees
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - An important notice has been sent to Detroit retirees regarding their health care.
City of Detroit retirees who are not eligible for Medicare — basically, those age 65 and under, must sign up for health insurance by Saturday, or risk having no coverage by the start of next month.
Emergency manager Kevyn Orr's office says Wednesday that the city will stop providing health insurance to retirees beginning March 1.
Under the Affordable Care Act, retirees not enrolled in Medicaid must get health insurance through their state's health exchange. The city and a committee representing retirees during Detroit's bankruptcy proceedings agreed Jan. 31 to the change in benefits.
"This is based on a notice sent out by the city of Detroit; this is not a statement by the retiree association," explained attorney Ryan Plecha. "But it's to get the message out to the retirees, but the city is the one that created and disseminated the notice."
Under the Affordable Care Act, retirees not enrolled in Medicaid must get health insurance through their state's health exchange.
The only other option for retirees, Plecha said, would be to get insurance through another employer-sponsored plan, such as one offered through a current employers a spouse's job.
The city and a committee representing retirees during Detroit's bankruptcy proceedings agreed Jan. 31 to the change in benefits. Some features of the deal include the increase to $300 in the monthly stipend for retirees over age 65 who are not eligible for Medicare.
The benefits change is expected to be part of Orr's plan to restructure Detroit during bankruptcy.
Those retirees or their spouse who may have access to employer-provided coverage are encouraged to contact that employer's Human Resources representative. Others should visit www.healthcare.gov to sign up for Obamacare coverage.
Find more Affordable Care Act links and resources HERE.
MORE: Detroit Bankruptcy — Complete Coverage
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