Department of Budget and Management Health Benefits

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Maryland State Retirees

​​ ​Important information regarding changes to retiree prescription drug coverage effective January 1, 2025

The State of Maryland’s prescription drug plan coverage for Medicare-eligible retirees is changing on January 1, 2025. The current State-provided prescription drug plan for Medicare-eligible retirees will end on December 31, 2024.


 
Introducing Via Benefits - The State’s Medicare Part D Partner

The State has partnered with Via Benefits to offer expert guidance and to help you find and enroll in the Medicare Part D plan that’s the right fit for your needs. Via Benefits operates one of the country’s largest private Medicare marketplaces and has helped more than two million retirees plan, shop for, enroll in, and maintain individual coverage that fits their needs. 

Via Benefits’ licensed benefit advisors will work with you to compare costs and coverage of the available individual Medicare Part D plans. They are objective advocates and have no incentive to steer you into any specific plan or insurance carrier.

You can call Via Benefits at 1-855-556-4419 to schedule an appointment. They operate Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. You may also visit their website to create a profile, set up an appointment, and even enroll after October 1, 2024. 

Informational meetings will be held both virtually and in-person. The in-person meetings will be held in each of Maryland’s 23 Counties. 

  • In-person group educational Sessions will be held October 1st through October 31st. Important Note, all enrollments will be conducted by telephone or completed self-serve online. You may schedule a telephonic appointment online or by calling Via Benefits.

In Person Meetings

In person meetings throughout the state will begin on October 1, 2024. The schedule of in person retiree meetings and a link to register are on Via Benefits.  Please scroll down to view the schedule. Search the page for the county for which you would like to attend an in-person session.  ​​
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NEW FAQS AS OF OCTOBER 21, 2024​​​
Via Benefits Introduction Letter - September 9, 2024

​OVERVIEW AND TIMING​​​

What is happening?

 

​The current State-provided prescription drug plan for Medicare-eligible retirees will end on December 31, 2024. Retirees who are currently enrolled in the State’s prescription drug plan will need to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan during a Special Enrollment Period this fall, between October 1 and December 31, 2024, to have prescription drug coverage on January 1, 2025. You will need to select a Medicare Part D plan from the options that will be available in your geographic area. To assist you with this transition, the State will provide one- on-one counseling to walk through your options and enroll you in a plan this fall. Retirees who are not currently enrolled in the State’s prescription drug plan, but who are interested in enrolling in an individual prescription drug plan should enroll during Medicare’s open enrollment this fall between October 15 and December 7, 2024. ​

Why is this happening now?

 

The changes are happening due to Maryland state law to address both the long-term affordability of the State-funded plan and the planned benefit improvements in Medicare Part D.

  • Chapter 397 of 2011 provided that Medicare-eligible State retirees would no longer receive State-funded prescription drug coverage effective fiscal year 2020.
  • Chapter 10 of 2018 made the change effective January 1, 2019. This was done in the expectation that Medicare-eligible State retirees could enroll in prescription drug coverage programs under Medicare Part D.
  • State retirees filed a lawsuit in September 2018, claiming that termination of prescription drug benefits was an unconstitutional breach of contract between the State and retirees. As a result, the State was required to maintain existing State-provided prescription drug coverage for Medicare-eligible retirees until further order of the court.
  • Chapter 767 of 2019 established reimbursement programs to cover a portion of out-of-pocket costs for retirees enrolled in Part D coverage.
  • The federal Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ultimately ruled in 2023 that there was no breach of contract between the State and retirees. As a result, the lawsuit was dismissed, and the injunction was lifted, allowing the State to move forward with implementing the law.

    Changes to the prescription drug coverage for Medicare-eligible retirees are effective for the plan year beginning January 1, 2025.​

Is any other State of Maryland-sponsored retiree health care coverage affected by this change?

 
No. Other State of Maryland-sponsored health care coverage for actives and retirees—and Medicare Part A and Part B coverage—are not affected by this change.​

Who is affected by the changes to the retiree prescription drug program?

 

All Medicare-eligible retirees as of January 1, 2025, Medicare-eligible spouses and surviving spouses, and Medicare-eligible dependent children and surviving children are affected.

Non-Medicare-eligible retirees, non-Medicare-eligible spouses, and non-Medicare-eligible dependent children are not affected by this change and remain eligible for the State plan.​


Will I be covered automatically under a new prescription drug plan starting January 1, 2025?

 
No. To have prescription drug coverage on January 1, 2025, you will need to select an individual Medicare Part D plan from the options that will be available in your geographic area this fall. If you’re currently enrolled in the State’s prescription drug plan, you have a Special Enrollment Period between October 1 and December 31, 2024. If you’re not currently enrolled in the State’s prescription drug plan, you can enroll during Medicare’s open enrollment this fall between October 15 – December 7, 2024.​


​ABOUT MEDICARE AND MEDICARE ​PART D
PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLANS

​How do the Medicare Part D prescription drug plans work? What drugs will be covered, and how much will it cost to fill prescriptions?

 

Medicare covers prescription drugs through Part D prescription drug plans. These plans must follow rules established by the federal government. Each Medicare plan must give at least a standard level of coverage set by Medicare. Medicare plans can vary on pharmacies they use, prescription drugs they cover, and how much they charge.

All Part D prescription drug plans must cover a wide range of prescription drugs. Each plan will publish a list of its covered drugs, so retirees can understand which plan covers the medications they will need and how much they will cost. The list of covered drugs may be different from the State's current plan, so it's important to take advantage of the one-on-one counseling so you can understand which Part D plan will cover the drugs you need.

The following categories of drugs are not covered under Medicare Part D:*

  • Drugs used to treat anorexia, weight loss, or weight gain
  • Fertility drugs
  • Drugs used for cosmetic purposes or hair growth
  • Drugs that are used for the relief of cold or cough symptoms
  • Drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction
  • Prescription vitamins and minerals (except prenatal vitamins and fluoride preparations)
  • Non-prescription drugs (over-the-counter drugs)

    * Note: Prescription drugs used for the above conditions may be covered if they are being prescribed to treat other conditions. For example, a medicine for the relief of cold symptoms may be covered by Part D if prescribed to treat something other than a cold (e.g., shortness of breath from asthma) that is approved by the FDA. 

    Read more about Part D excluded drugs.

 

The Inflation Reduction Act includes several provisions to lower prescription drug costs for people with Medicare and reduce drug spending by the federal government, including several changes to the Medicare Part D drug benefit.

In 2025, the annual out-of-pocket (OOP) amount payable by retirees who have Part D coverage will be limited to $2,000. Enrollees who surpass the $2,000 OOP threshold will no longer incur cost sharing for Part D drugs for the remainder of the calendar year.​


How will I be able to tell the difference between the Medicare Part D prescription drug plans?

 

The specific details of the cost and benefits coverage in 2025 Medicare Part D prescription will be available on October 1, 2024. The State has contracted with Via Benefits, an experienced vendor whose licensed benefits advisors will help you understand how the plans work and assist you in selecting a plan during enrollment. The list of covered drugs may be different from the State’s current plan, so it’s important to take advantage of the one-on-one counseling so you can understand which Part D plan will cover the drugs you need.​

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What if I cannot find a formulary that covers my current prescription drug?

 

All Part D plans include a formulary of preferred drugs. Not every drug within a therapeutic class is covered by every plan, but there are alternatives available under each class. Through the one-on-one counseling services, licensed agents will assist you with selecting the best plan for you based on your personal needs.

If you select a Part D plan that does not include on its formulary a current prescription drug that you are taking, you will have an option to substitute a therapeutic equivalent drug or seek a prior authorization to use that drug. We encourage you to speak with your physician about alternatives that align with your selected formulary. Approved prior authorizations will be covered under your plan and count toward your out-of-pocket maximum. ​


Are all drugs processed through Medicare Part D?

 

No. Inpatient hospital charges, including drugs administered during the stay, are paid through Medicare Part A.
Generally, Part B covers outpatient services, such as physician visits, lab, and X-rays. Part B also covers outpatient drugs like:

  • Injections received in a doctor's office
  • Certain oral anti-cancer drugs
  • Drugs used with some durable medical equipment (e.g., nebulizer or external infusion pump)

    This is consistent with the way your Medicare coverage works today.

A full description can be found in the Medicare and You guide beginning on page 29: medicare.gov/publications/10050-Medicare-and-You.pdf​


Where can I get more information about Medicare?

 
For more information about Medicare, visit the Medicare website at medicare.gov.​
​ENROLLMENT​

How do I enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan during open enrollment?

 
​During your enrollment window (October 1 through December 31 if you’re currently enrolled in the State’s prescription drug plan, or October 15 through December 7 if you’re not currently enrolled in the State’s prescription drug plan), you will enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan either online or by phone. You will be able to meet one-on-one with a licensed benefit advisor from Via Benefits who will assist you. They will review your current medications with you, help you understand your options, and assist you in selecting a plan.

Refer to the letter mailed to your home the week of September 9 with more details regarding how to access to support available from the State and Via Benefits to find and enroll in new prescription drug coverage.

Note: If you don’t elect a plan during your enrollment window, you will have to wait until the next open enrollment period, unless you qualify for a separate special enrollment period, and you may be subject to a late enrollment penalty.​

Will I have to pay a Part D late enrollment penalty since, I did not elect it during my initial eligibility period?

 
No. The State's retiree prescription drug program is a Medicare Part D plan with a wrap and is considered creditable coverage. A late enrollment penalty will not apply to your transition from the State's prescription drug plan to another Medicare Part D plan if you enroll during open enrollment (October 15 – December 7). The Notice of Creditable Coverage is available on the Department of Budget and Management's website under Important Links at dbm.maryland.gov/benefits.​

Will I have access to one-on-one counseling to help me choose a new prescription drug plan?

 
Yes. The State has contracted with Via Benefits, to provide one-on-one counseling to assist you with the selection of a new prescription drug plan. The counselors will review your current medications with you, help you understand your options, and assist you in selecting and enrolling in a plan. You can schedule an enrollment appointment with Via Benefits either on their website at my.viabenefits.com/maryland ​or by calling 1-855-556-4419 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday from 8am to 7pm, ET.

What other opportunities will there be for me to learn about the changes and make a well-informed decision about which Medicare Part D plan to choose?

 

We encourage you to participate in an educational meeting to help you learn about your options and get your general questions answered. There are three options for these meetings so you can choose what works best for you:
•    A recorded meeting that you can watch when it’s convenient for you. The recording will be available 24/7 beginning September 9 and accessible at my.viabenefits.com/maryland.
•    Virtual meetings available beginning September 23 at various times throughout October.
•    In-person meetings in every county in Maryland from October 1 through October 31.

You can find the schedule of meetings at my.viabenefits.com/maryland or dbm.maryland.gov/benefits/Pages/Retirees.aspx. If you plan to attend a virtual or in‑person meeting, make sure to register by following the links on either website.

What if I want to explore other options?

 
You are welcome to explore other options if it makes sense for your situation. A one-on-one benefit advisor can help walk you through the options. ​​​​
​ABOUT THE HEALTH REIMBURSEMENT
ARRANGEMENT (HRA)

What is an HRA?

 
A health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) is a special type of account that is set up by the ​State to help you pay for your prescription drugs. If eligible, an account will automatically be set up for you (and your covered dependents). If you enroll in a Part D plan through Via Benefits, you can then use the money in this account to pay for covered prescription drugs.


Who is eligible for the health reimbursement arrangement (HRA)? If you were hired by the State on or before June 30, 2011, and retired* from State service on or before January 1, 2020, you are eligible to receive a State-funded HRA.

Those hired on or after July 1, 2011, are not eligible for the State-funded HRA. Those who retired* after January 1, 2020, regardless of date of hire, are also not eligible for the HRA.

*Defined as the retirement date on which you became eligible for your pension payments, verified by the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA)

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Who is eligible for the health reimbursement arrangement (HRA)?

 

If you were hired by the State on or before June 30, 2011, and retired from State service on or before January 1, 2020, you are eligible to receive a State-funded HRA. 

Those hired on or after July 1, 2011, are not eligible for the State-funded HRA. Those who retired after January 1, 2020, regardless of date of hire, are also not eligible for the HRA. ​


How much will the State contribute each year to my HRA?

 

If you are eligible for the HRA, the State will deposit money into your HRA starting in January 2025. A minimum assistance requirement was set into law, so you won't have to pay any more for prescription drugs, out of pocket, than you do today under the State plan. The difference between the State plan's current out-of-pocket maximum and the Medicare Part D out-of-pocket maximum will be deposited into an HRA for you to use toward your prescription drug costs.

The minimum assistance amount will also be adjusted as needed in coordination with changes to Part D out-of-pocket maximums.
Example:

 Medicare-Eligible Retiree OnlyFamily With Two Medicare-Eligible Retirees
State plan prescription drug out-of-pocket maximum for 2024 $1,500$2,000
Medicare Part D plans out-of-pocket maximum for 2025 $2,000$4,000
2025 minimum assistance requirement, per state law $500*$2,000
2025 amount to be deposited into your HRA (if eligible) $750*$2,000

* During the 2024 Legislative Session, the General Assembly increased the HRA amount by $250 over the minimum assistance requirement of $500 for calendar year 2025. ​       ​


How will I access the money in my HRA?

 

If eligible for the HRA, the full amount will be deposited into your account in January, and you will be able to use the money when you buy your prescriptions. If you have any money left over in your account at the end of the calendar year, it will be returned to the State and applied to future HRA funding. Eligible members should watch for additional communications and instructions about using the HRA later this year. ​


WHAT YOU NEED TO DO​​​

Do I need to do anything right now?

 
As you prepare to enroll in new coverage effective January 1, 2025, here are the actions you can take now:
•  Create a profile with Via Benefits on their website ​including the medications you take and pharmacies you use. This will expedite the enrollment process if you complete this information in advance.
•  Call now to schedule an enrollment appointment with Via Benefits during your enrollment window.  We recommend scheduling this earlier than later.
•  Review educational information on Via Beneifits, including helpful videos and articles.

Register for a virtual or in-person educational meeting. You can find the schedule of meetings at Via Beneifits  or Retirees webpage.  If you plan to attend a virtual or in‑person meeting, make sure to register by following the links on either website.

Once your enrollment window begins (for those currently enrolled in the State’s prescription drug plan, that’s between October 1 and December 31; for those not currently enrolled in the State’s prescription drug plan, that’s between October 15 and December 7), you can elect new individual Part D prescription drug coverage through Via Benefits.



What address should I use as my address on file with the State of Maryland if I split my time living between two locations?

 

You may only participate in one Part D plan and must use your permanent address. A permanent address is established by voter registration, driver's license, tax records, or utility bills. A post office box cannot be used. Your plan selection will be based on your permanent address and should include a national network. 

Note: Your address on file with the State of Maryland will be the address we and our health benefits vendors will use to communicate with you throughout this process. It is also recommended that you use a forwarding service for your mail to be sent where you are living throughout the year. ​


​WHOM TO CONTACT IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS​

Whom can I contact if I have questions right now?

 
​Via Benefits is available to take your calls and offer support and guidance in selecting your new ​Part D plan. You can reach Via Benefits by phone at 1-855-556-4419 (TTY:711) Monday ​through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.


Is there any financial assistance available if I have a limited income?

 

Everyone's circumstances are different. Some retirees may be eligible for Extra Help, which is a Medicare program that helps people with limited income and resources pay for deductibles, coinsurance, Medicare Part D premiums, and other costs. One-on-one counselors will be able to discuss your situation with you and determine whether you're eligible and how it works. 

Information on the 2024 Extra Help program and determination can be found on the Medicare website: medicare.gov/basics/costs/help/drug-costs. ​

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Helpful Links

Contact Us

​If you have any questions about your Retiree health benefits and the change to prescription drug coverage on January 1, 2025, please contact the Employee Benefits Division.

410-767-4775 General Information
1-800-30-STATE (Outside Baltimore)
(410) 333-7104 Fax
301 West Preston Street, Room 510
Baltimore, MD 21201

2024 Information

2024 Rates

2024 Enrollment Forms

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Department of Budget and Management
45 Calvert Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
300-301 West Preston Street
Baltimore, MD 21201