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Connecticut retired teachers who access their health insurance benefits through the Teachers’ Retirement Board are being offered two UnitedHealthcare plan options for 2022: UnitedHealthcare’s Advantage Plan and the Senior Supplement with Original Medicare.

During this enrollment period, UHC has been offering both in-person and virtual information sessions. The sessions should offer unbiased details of both plans; however, the presentations thus far have been heavily slanted toward the Advantage plan. The “network” on the Advantage plan is downplayed and prior authorization, a strong payment control mechanism, is not mentioned unless an attendee inquires. Additionally, the complimentary tote bag provided to attendees contains only Advantage plan materials. Supplement materials have been provided only upon request to those who think to ask.

No surprise that the less expensive Advantage plan is being heavily promoted for 2022. However, the Supplement’s cost is the one element that has been emphasized repeatedly without any explanation of the actual cost breakdown for medical, prescription drug, vision and hearing provided for in both plans. UnitedHealthcare could realize large profits from the heavily managed Advantage plan while raising premiums for those who choose the Supplement.

Retirees, please educate yourselves on the protections inherent in the traditional Medicare Supplement that are not guaranteed in the less expensive Advantage plan. Don’t allow yourselves to be seduced by price alone. Because you are not being fully educated by UnitedHealthcare on the differences, it is critical that you research the pros and cons of both plans before choosing. You won’t want to discover the differences when you are in the midst of a medical crisis. Ask your doctors which plan is easier to navigate and is the best plan for you.

Rita McDougald-Campbell Trumbull