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PEB adopts policy to automatically defer retiree coverage for Medicare‑eligible subscribers living abroad who do not respond
Summary
The board passed resolution PEP 2025-01 to allow HCA to automatically defer retiree coverage when Medicare‑eligible retirees permanently living outside the U.S. do not respond within required timeframes; the policy preserves the ability to reenroll when members return to the U.S.
The Public Employees Benefits Board voted to adopt resolution PEP 2025‑01, which authorizes the Health Care Authority to automatically defer PEP retiree insurance coverage for retirees and survivors who permanently live outside the United States and become eligible for Medicare Part A and B but do not respond to HCA within the required timeframe.
Stella presented the proposed resolution as a cleanup to earlier policy allowing deferral for retirees abroad; the new language clarifies that affected subscribers will be exempt from the deferral form requirement and will have the opportunity to enroll in a PEB health plan when they return to the United States by submitting required forms and proof of Medicare enrollment. Tom moved adoption and the board approved the resolution in a roll‑call vote.
HCA staff said the policy applies to a very small population of retirees living internationally and stressed the board’s intent was preservation of eligibility while balancing federal Medicare eligibility rules: if CMS identifies a retiree as Medicare‑eligible upon return, that will be the basis for reenrollment rather than attempting to judge coverage comparability abroad.
