Q: In the past, retirees could never move to a richer plan (i.e., a plan with a lower deductible) than the plan they were currently enrolled in. Do the OEBB plans have a similar restriction for retirees?
A: No. OEBB eligibility rules currently state that retirees have the same plan election options as the active members of their employee group (e.g., Licensed Retirees will be able to choose from any of the plans offered to Active Licensed Employees).
Q: Is it possible the OEBB Board could change their minds and impose restrictions on retiree plan choice next year?
A: As the saying goes, “Anything’s possible.” However, the OEBB Board has been very conscientious about not causing harm to their members, especially when amending rules that are already established. Therefore it is likely that if they were to impose restrictions in the future, they would ensure those affected would have an opportunity to change their plan election before the restriction was imposed.
Q: As a retiree, can I add a dependent to my coverage in the future if I choose not to cover them now?
A: OEBB allows retirees to add dependents to their plan if they submit an enrollment change form within 31 days of a qualified status change (or QSC) event. Some examples of this sort of QSC might be loss of other coverage or a change in marital status. These are just a few of the many QSC events that might qualify. To determine whether a specific life event would be considered a valid QSC, please contact OEBB by email at OEBB.info@state.or.us or by phone at (888) 469-6322.
Q: How long can retirees remain on the 4J plan?
A: Retirees are allowed to stay on the 4J plan until they become Medicare eligible. Everyone becomes Medicare eligible on the first of the month prior to their 65th birthday, unless they gain eligibility even earlier due to disability. (This includes people born on the first of a month — someone turning 65 on October 1st would become Medicare eligible September 1st.)
Q: What happens to my spouse’s coverage if they’re on my plan when I become Medicare eligible?
A: OEBB allows a younger spouse/domestic partner in this situation to continue on the plan in their own name until they also become Medicare eligible. The spouse/domestic partner should complete an Hire a spouse form (found here) as if they are the 4J retiree, and an ACH Form to authorize premium payments by electronic withdrawal from a bank account. These two forms should be submitted to 4J Human Resources with a note that this is for the younger spouse of (retiree’s name). This will help the staff quickly understand the situation and expedite processing.
