ORNL HSA Survey - 2013

Report of CORRE's 2013 Survey of

Retiree Experience with ORNL Supplementary Health Insurance
Dub Shults, August 2013

  1. A total of 67 individuals participated in the 2013 Survey.  Of those, distribution among insurance plans was:

AARP Plan F              59 individuals

AARP Plan N                3 individuals

Humana                       5 individuals

  1. This survey gathered premium data for July 1, 2012, when the ORNL Plan was initiated, and for June 30, 2013, the end of Year One.  Although, the data are based on small populations, they do reflect premium increases that agree with those that were imposed during the year:

AARP Plan F              +4.2%

AARP Plan N              +6.6%

Humana                      +4.4%.

Note that AARP imposed a second increase in premium of 4.2% on July 1, 2013.

  1. The survey failed to gather meaningful data on out-of-pocket costs experienced by retirees who select Plan N.  The number of responses was small, and few people had kept accurate records as to out-of-pocket costs.
  1. Comments and Suggestions

Several participants remarked that the plan seems to be working, so far. Theso far reflects insecurity among retirees about adjustments to ORNL's HRA allowance.

Complaints were directed primarily at specific components of the program, rather than the program itself.

There was considerable resentment and concern that insurance premiums have been increased twice in a 12-month period.  One comment:  I cannot afford these increases every year.

There was a strong belief that prescription medicines through Express-Scripts are more costly than those through MEDCO.

Participants continue to request a better dental insurance program, one that at least would be acceptable to dentists in Oak Ridge.

The point was made, strongly, that true out-of-pocket costs will include such items as hearing aids and other non-covered tests and supplies, and perhaps facilities.

Participants complain that they have difficulty reaching a person, as opposed to a routing message, when they attempt to obtain help by phoning the insurance companies.

There was no mention of The Affordable Care Act.