AlaskaCare Retiree Health News | Monthly e-newsletter

Three months prior to turning 65, you can expect to receive information regarding enrollment in Medicare Part A and B, and are automatically enrolled in the AlaskaCare Employer Group Waiver Plan (EGWP) by the State of Alaska. 

What is EGWP? The AlaskaCare Employer Group Waiver Plan is an opportunity for AlaskaCare to maintain existing pharmacy benefits for Medicare-eligible retirees and achieve cost savings for years to come. This program is offered by the federal government to increase federal subsidies for prescription drugs for the retiree health trust.

To ensure a smooth enrollment process into EGWP, it’s important to make sure your demographic information is consistent and matches between the State of Alaska Retirement and Benefits System, and Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Demographic information includes legal name, gender, and date of birth. Inconsistencies may produce errors which may lead to disenrollment in EGWP.

You can view your information associated with the Alaska Retirement and Benefits System by viewing your paystub on your retirement check, or by logging into myRnb, and comparing it to your information associated with the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Since 2016, the Division of Retirement and Benefits has partnered with the Pacific Health Coalition (Coalition) to provide logistical coordination and support for annual health fairs for the AlaskaCare Health Plans. Although only the AlaskaCare employee plan is a member of the Coalition, in prior years the Coalition extended access to the health fairs to retiree plan members as well. However, beginning in 2024, the Coalition will unfortunately no longer offer retiree plan members access to the Coalition-organized health fairs.

Although we know this news may be disappointing for many retirees, we want to remind everyone that most of the preventive screening tests previously offered to retirees at the health fairs are also covered by your AlaskaCare retiree plan. AlaskaCare retiree plan members can receive first dollar coverage for preventive services from a network provider (100% coinsurance and the deductible does not apply). Members may also obtain preventive services from an out-of-network provider at 80% coinsurance after their deductible has been met. So, although our retirees won’t be able to participate in the health fair events held by the Coalition this fall, we’re happy to report that you can still get the services covered by your primary care provider at your own leisure.

When the Division of Retirement and Benefits produces print publications such as newsletters, brochures, forms, and guides, they are all available online. This online version can be helpful for someone with visual impairment. Visit our ADA-compliant website to read this material with features like a high-contrast version of the website, which you can do by clicking on the "eyeball" icon in the main menu bar at the top of the page. If you are using a screen reader, press the TAB button. Along with the TAB command, use SHIFT to go back, SPACEBAR to expand, and ENTER to select. You can also zoom in by pressing the key commands: Ctrl + and Ctrl - to zoom out. 

Find helpful documents on our website such as:

• Health Matters Newsletter
• Forms and Documents
• Term Glossary
• FAQ's
• And More!

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Retiree newsletters are sent electronically to Health Plan members that have subscribed to receive updates. Each month we feature an article that helps you Get to Know your Benefits, provides you with updates about the Health Plan, and information about health events and resources. You can subscribe or unsubscribe at any time by managing your preferences here

Physical Address:

State Office Building
6th Floor
333 Willoughby Avenue
Juneau, AK 99801 

Mailing Address:

State of Alaska
Division of Retirement and Benefits
P.O. Box 110203
Juneau, AK 99811-0203