4th Quarter 2019 Benefits Corner

Benefits Corner 4th Qtr

By Bill Dodge, CRA Benefits Chair

Bill Dodge

Open Enrollment for Plan Year 2020

In recent weeks Via Benefits has been sending to both Chevron HRA-qualified and non HRA-qualified participants the Fall 2019 Medicare Edition of its newsletter, The Via Benefits Advocate .This newsletter provides important information about Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period for Chevron’s post-65 retirees and post-65 dependents and survivors. This Open Enrollment period runs from October 15 thru December 7, 2019. The information included in this newsletter provides how to use the services of Via Benefits to evaluate your current plan and if you choose, enroll in a new plan.

As stated in the newsletter, “Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) Plan F and Plan C are going away in 2020 for new enrollees, but NOT for people already enrolled in the plans. Those already enrolled in Plan F or Plan C will be “grandfathered” in and able to continue with their plans as long as they want.”

 The newsletter also includes an update regarding the coverage gap, also known as the “donut hole”, which will take effect in 2020 for Part D Prescription Drug plans.
If you are either a Chevron HRA-qualified or non-qualified participant and have not yet received your copy of this newsletter by either email or postal mail, please contact Via Benefits: In US: 1-844-266-1392; Outside US: 801-994-9805. Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 7 am - 8 pm, Central time. Copies are also shown on the Via Benefits website (https://www.my.viabenefits.com/chevron) and available for downloading.

Note:
Please be aware that the Open Enrollment Period for Chevron’s pre-65 retirees and pre-65 dependents and survivors will run from October 14 thru October 25, 2019. Chevron will be sending out information on that Open Enrollment Period to eligible participants.

 
A REMINDER
The next time you refresh your profile on the Via Benefits website, be sure to confirm or add your new Medicare number, which is on the front of your Medicare card right below your name. The new Medicare cards have this new Medicare number (which replaces your Social Security Number) to provide additional security.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) completed reissuing cards with this new number as of April, 2019, and new cards provided after April, 2018 include it as well. As of December 31, 2019, you must use this new Medicare number for enrollment and identification purposes.

Discounts for seniors Starting with this edition of the Benefits Corner, I will be providing information on the latest discounts on various products and services which are available to seniors that are over the age of 55. If you or a loved one were born before 1964, you are eligible for incredible senior discounts on products and services that you are already using every day. Discounts on the following products and services will be provided:
         Restaurants
         Grocery Stores
         Entrance fees at National Parks
         Select Retail Stores
         Hotels

Enjoy Discounts at Your Favorite Restaurants *

Don’t feel like cooking tonight? Seniors receive discounts at several restaurant chains across the country. Below is a list of restaurants you may be eating at and not even using your discounts.
 Applebee’s: Seniors age 60 and older can save 15% at Applebee’s
 Ben & Jerry’s: Seniors age 60 and older can save 10% on in-store purchases
 Burger King: Seniors 60 and older can receive 10% off at participating locations
 Chick-fil-A: Seniors age 55 and older can receive 10% off and free small beverages at participating locations
 Chili’s: Seniors age 55 and older can receive 10% off and free small drinks at participating locations
 Denny’s: Seniors enjoy a complete discounted menu, plus AARP members get additional discounts
 Dairy Queen: 10% off for Seniors
 Dunkin’ Donuts: AARP members can receive a free donut with the purchase of a large coffee
 Einstein’s Bagels: 10% off (60+)
 Golden Corral: Seniors age 60 and older receive 10% off at participating locations
 IHOP: Seniors age 55 and older can receive 10% off at participating locations
 KFC: Seniors over 55 receive a free small drink with any meal
 McDonald’s: Discounts on coffee for 55+
 Subway: 10% off for seniors 60 and older
 Taco Bell: 5% off and free beverages for seniors 65 and up
 TCBY: 10% off for 55 and older
 Uno Pizzeria and Grill: “Double Nickel Club” 25% off on Wednesday’s (55+)
 Waffle House: 10% off on Mondays for 60 and older

*Source: Senior Shopping Discounts

Bill Dodge,Contact Information for CRA’s Benefits Committee:

Bill Dodge, Chevron / Gulf : Email: CRABenefits9@gmail.com ; Phone: 832-934-0680