Section 2106.310  Eligibility Requirements

Opt Out Incentive administration shall be in compliance with Section 8(d-5) of the Act and shall:

a)         Allow SERS annuitants who elect not to participate in the Health Plan to receive a financial incentive of $150 per month if all of the following conditions are met:

1)         the Member is enrolled in the Health Plan at the time of a Special Enrollment Period or subsequent Benefit Choice Periods, or an Opt Out/In Qualifying Change in Status occurs; and

2)         the Member is not eligible for and/or receiving benefits under the federal Medicare health insurance program (42 USC § 1395 et seq.).

b)         Provide for a Special Enrollment Period from November 1 through November 30, 2005 for SERS annuitants enrolled in the Health Plan to elect to participate in the Opt Out Incentive.  The Opt Out Incentive elected by SERS annuitants during this Special Enrollment Period will have an effective date of January 1, 2006.

c)         Provide that SERS annuitants who previously elected not to participate in the Health Plan may choose to enroll in the Health Plan during the Benefit Choice Period or with an Opt Out/In Qualifying Change in Status.  Once enrolled, they may take advantage of the Opt Out Incentive during a subsequent Benefit Choice Period or with a subsequent Opt Out/In Qualifying Change in Status.  Participants will not be permitted to enroll and opt out during the same Benefit Choice Period or based on the same Opt Out/In Qualifying Change in Status.