You will still need to complete a new Retiree Health Benefits Program Application form to enroll in the County’s Retiree Health Benefits Program. If you do not submit a new application, the assumption will be made that you do not wish to continue your health insurance through Washoe County and your insurance will terminate as of your last day of employment.
Although dental insurance is an optional coverage and not part of your Retiree Health Benefit, you may purchase this coverage for yourself and your dependents at your cost. The monthly premiums are posted on the Human Resources website and are updated annually.
If you do not wish to make any changes to your insurance plan during the annual Open Enrollment period, you do not need to complete a new form.
Yes. Retirement is considered a qualifying life event so you are able to change health plans at this time. You may also change plans during any Open Enrollment period (mid-May to mid-June for a July 1 effective date).
You will receive your pension check through PERS at the end of each month, and premiums are deducted one month in advance. So the deduction coming out of January’s PERS check is for February’s premium; February’s deduction pays for March’s premium, etc. When you first retire, you will be responsible for submitting your portion of the first month’s insurance premium to Human Resources along with the completed Retiree Health Benefits application. The exact amounts (which are sometimes pro-rated) will be calculated for you by our Benefits Specialist.
If you are starting your new life as a retiree outside of Washoe County, you will qualify only for the self-funded PPO plan since the HMO network consists of local providers only. Please update your contact information with Health Benefits any time you change your address, and remember that if you move out of the local area in the future, it may be necessary to change your choice of health plans.
You may add or delete a dependent at this time since the Retiree Plans are not subject to the Section 125 Internal Revenue Code restrictions (premiums are now post-tax).
You must complete a new enrollment form in its entirety, as it replaces all previous forms, and return it to Human Resources along with any applicable documentation.
Under the new Health Care Reform Bill, you may cover your child/children to age 26. They do not have to be a full-time student, living with you, and/or dependent upon your financial support.
If you are adding a domestic partner, you must do so within 31 days of filing the declaration of domestic partnership, or during the annual Open Enrollment period.
Please see the “Quick Reference Sheet” (link below) for more information on adding or deleting dependents.
Current insurance rates can be found under the Benefits section on the Washoe County Retirees webpage.
If you are on the Self-funded PPO, go to www.uhnppo.com. Enter your provider’s name and click search. Or you may contact Universal Health Care directly at 775-356-1159.
If you are on the Hometown Health HMO, go to www.hometownhealth.com. Click on provider directory, choose HMO Plan, enter the provider’s name and click search. Or you may contact Hometown Health Customer Service at 775-982-3232.
If you are on the HMO, you must receive care only from the physicians, hospitals and other health care providers that have contracted to provide services for Hometown Health.
If you are on the Self-funded PPO, you will receive a better rate if you use contracted providers, but you do have flexibility. If you permanently reside more than 50 miles from a PPO provider, you may use the doctor of your choice and it will be covered at the usual and customary allowance.
For a full description of what services meet the definition of preventative and routine medical care, please refer to your plan summary or contact your plan administrator directly:
• Self-funded PPO participants may contact CDS Customer Service at 775-352-6900.
• Hometown Health HMO participants may contact their Customer Service at 775-982-3232.
The GAP Plan was first introduced in FY 10/11 and is available in conjunction with the Hometown Health HMO Plan only. Washoe County pays the cost of the GAP plan for all employees enrolled in the HMO; however, it is an elective coverage for dependents and employees are responsible for those premiums. Provided by American Fidelity, the GAP Plan is designed to reimburse the following out-of-pocket expenses up to:
• $1,000 per inpatient hospital confinement
• $200 for certain outpatient services
• $25 for non-routine doctors visits (limit of $125 per family per year)
For more information about the GAP Plan including rates or how to enroll/delete a dependent, you must contact American Fidelity directly at 775-829-1313. Dependent coverage is not administered through Washoe County Health Benefits.
The HMO Medicare Advantage Plan was added to the Washoe County Retiree Health Benefits Program in FY 10/11. The coverage is provided through Senior Care Plus, and is available only to those retirees and their dependents with both Medicare parts A and B. This plan is a great option for those retirees who are receiving only a partial premium benefit from Washoe County and/or who are covering dependents. Please note that enrollment occurs only on the first of each month.
You may contact the Enrollment Specialist at Senior Care Plus, Christopher Gourlay, at
775-982-3134.
Yes. By visiting one of the websites below, you can identify which drugs are available on your specific plan, how much they cost, and the applicable co-payment:
• Self-funded PPO: www.catalystrx.com. Or you may contact Catalyst Rx directly at 888-896-4600.
• Hometown Health HMO: www.hometownhealth.com. Or you may contact Hometown Health directly at 775-982-3232.
We strongly encourage all retirees to attend one of the Open Enrollment meetings scheduled each year during the month of May. If for some reason you cannot attend, you may contact Human Resources at 775-328-2079 to set up an appointment with our Benefits Specialist, Kristie Harmon.
Retiree FAQs