SURS switching retirees back to original insurance
CHAMPAIGN — The State Universities Retirement System office has been swamped with anxious retirees who are confused about how to proceed with enrollment in the 90-day health plans. SURS is urging its members to take note:
Those who didn’t make a change in their health plan choices don’t have to do anything to keep their current insurers, said SURS Director of Outreach Pam Butler.
Like all state group plan members, those who hadn’t made any changes in their health plan benefits and don’t want to make any changes now are automatically enrolled with their same insurer on a 90-day basis.
For SURS retirees and benefits recipients only: Those who did already make a change during the enrollment period, the SURS staff is assuming those people want to change back to the health plan they had and is making the change for them, Butler said.
For example, if a SURS retiree had Health Alliance, changed to a new health plan, and now wants Health Alliance again that’s available under a 90-day state contract, do nothing, Butler said. SURS is making that change for you, she said.
What if you did want the new plan you signed up for? Let the SURS staff know as soon as possible, Butler said. A new form must be faxed or dropped off before the 5 p.m. enrollment deadline Friday.
Butler said the SURS office at 1901 Fox Drive, C, had 1,432 calls yesterday and 1,308 calls as of mid-afternoon today, and 500 visitors.
“Our phone lines are being jammed,” she said.
MoreAs one of the callers and visitors, I'd like to commend SURS for their professionalism in dealing with this difficult situation. They've chosen a process that serves their annuitants well and they've handle the questions I've raised efficiently, professionally, and with grace. I'm grateful and I'm sure many others who rely on SURS are too.
I second the previous comment. The folks at SURS, who must have spent the past month under enormous pressure from all of us, have been unfailingly helpful, polite, professional, and competent, even in the midst of nearly daily changes to the rules. I only wish the people in Springfield who have foisted this mess on us were half as good at their jobs!
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