GHLI open enrollment period starts July 16

With the passage of Public Law 20-40, the CNMI Department of Finance Group Health & Life Insurance (GHLI) Division will be conducting an open enrollment from July 16, 2018 through Aug. 16, 2018. This enrollment period is limited to eligible retirees and dependents, as well as government employees who do not have health insurance now.

GHLI provides a robust health plan through Aetna International providing access to care globally, includes coverage for pre-existing conditions, and no lifetime or calendar year maximums.

According to Secretary of Finance Larrisa Larson, employees and retirees that are enrolled will not be allowed to make changes to current insurance coverages at this time, but will have that option in the future during open enrollment for the next period of coverage in 2019.

“We would also like to announce that with the increase of membership for the 2018 open enrollment Aetna has reduced the premium rates for the insurance plan by 0.75 percent effective July 1, 2018. Retirees and employees currently enrolled in the plan will see slight reductions in their payroll deductions for Aetna coverage. More importantly, the reduction in premiums for basic insurance will cost eligible employees $0.00 with a deductible of $1,500. This allows employees who do not seek medical care often to have a form of coverage for dire emergencies and more,” Secretary Larson said.

Because of public concerns regarding health care coverage, Gov. Ralph DLG. Torres has prioritized the affordability of health care coverage.

“We are aware that health care coverage and its related costs are a significant area of concern for employees and retirees alike, and we continue to work with Aetna in providing quality health insurance coverage for government and autonomous agency employees across the CNMI. It is for that reason that our government has always absorbed a significant portion of the employer share for coverage as well,” Governor Torres said.

Larson added that GHLI members who travel outside the United States, like the Philippines, will not have to pay the Outside USA/CNMI/Guam deductible.

“For patients that have to seek healthcare outside of the Commonwealth and with Aetna’s dedication to providing the best member experience when obtaining health care anywhere, Aetna has removed the outside the USA/CNMI/Guam deductible retro effective January 1, 2018. Aetna will be reprocessing claims for outside the CNMI in foreign jurisdictions and reimbursing subscribers for payments incurred. By removing this deductible, our members will have less disruption when receiving care and an easier understanding about their member responsibility at time of discharge. Members will be reimbursed their deductible amounts paid out of pocket. Checks will be sent to the members mailing address per Aetna’s system. Please reach out to Pacifica Insurance to update your mailing address, if needed. If a member has a claim that has not been submitted to Aetna, we encourage all members to submit those claims to Aetna, including all required documentation. Please visit Pacifica to receive support in processing a claim,” she said.

“The continual improvement of healthcare insurance would not be possible with the support of the administration and the Legislature. The improved economy has allowed retirees that were once enrolled and had to terminate due to cuts to their pension and the high premiums to once again have insurance coverage,” she added.

SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD:

• July 16 through Aug. 16, 2018

• Eligible transactions:
o New, Active, and Retiree Subscribers and Eligible Dependents Only
o Active Employees and eligible dependents not currently enrolled
o Retirees not currently enrolled
– Non-Eligible Transactions
o Changing Plans
o Adding eligible dependents

RETIREES:

This is the only period of time which you are eligible to enroll in coverage. At minimum, it is suggested that you enroll in the Base Plan.

• Remember, if you are enrolled in Medicare, please update Aetna/Pacifica with this information upon enrollment.

• Please review Primary versus Secondary coverage when enrolled in Medicare and/or other health insurance.

• Please visit Pacifica Insurance for support with enrolling. (PR)