Answers to questions from 11/10 Benefits seminar

[itbrc.web]

The following are responses to 3 questions from the 11/10/2009 medical
benefits sessions. If you have further questions you may reply to this
post.

There were 3 questions from the 2 Medicare sessions yesterday
requiring clarification. We agreed to put the clarifications up on the
web site.
1. Aetna Medicare Plan (HMO) - There is only one $200 copay per day
for days 1-7 for in-patient services. There is no change from 2009.
The plan's fact sheet incorrectly lists two $200 copays.
2. United Healthcare of Florida - This plan is not available to
Medicare eligible retirees with non-Medicare eligible spouses.
The Personal Fact Sheet correctly states that the plan is N/A.
3. SHAP and LPA eligibilty - For retirees who bridged to retirement,
the date bridged to determines eligibility.

[billf...@aol.com]

Thanks for the timely reply to the questions raised in the session. I
do have one question.

Regarding SHAP and LPA eligibility, do I understand correctly that if
I left IBM in 1993 to start my Bridge to Retirement and then started
receiving retirement checks in August 1999, then I am NOT eligible for
SHAP?

[itbrc...@gmail.com]

That's correct. In order to be eligible for SHAP, you must have be by
Dec.31,1996. In your case, your actual retirement date is August,
1999.
Your bridge from 1993 was considered a leave of absence to your actual
retirement date in 1999.