What to Do If GM Cut Your Health Insurance

Enrollment Concerns

It would be fair to say that we have received much feedback from both Chrysler and Ford retirees about their experiences with EH. White says, "Extend Health did some good things and improved as they found problems. If a retiree calls, he will have one benefits adviser throughout the process."

Chuck Austin, president of the National Chrysler Retirement Organization, says he's heard anecdotal evidence that EH was "simply overwhelmed with calls."

Bryce Williams, president and CEO of Extend Health, says things have improved: "Extend Health is providing a better and more efficient enrollment process with most of the health care providers. ... We will have hundreds more agents on the phone and every time you call you will speak with a licensed benefits adviser."

Williams adds that they have increased technology usage with health care providers and that these two steps should take care of 90% of the previous problems.

EH has arrangements with most Blue Cross Blue Shield companies, including BCBS of Michigan, and offers the plans that BCBS-MI has on the market.

Health and Coverage Concerns

With the exception of end-stage renal failure patients, who should contact them, EH says all other retirees will be able to obtain access to a Medigap or Medicare Advantage guaranteed-issue plan within the Medicare enrollment period. Those undergoing cancer treatment or suffering from chronic conditions, such as diabetes, will be able to obtain coverage.

Austin of the Chrysler retirees group says, "There is a Medicare Advantage plan with Blue Cross offering comparable care to the old Chrysler plan in Michigan. When Chrysler withdrew the plan, most people transferred and were not refused coverage. Prescription plans varied and some people found that they were not covered for the drugs they previously had."