Change can feel complicated—especially when it comes to something as personal as your health care. But here’s the simple truth: your coverage isn’t being reduced or taken away. The benefits you rely on remain fully intact, protected under the same laws that allow your retiree plan to exist in the first place.
What’s changing is the partner, not the promise.
Starting January 1, 2026, your coverage will be provided through Anthem instead of UnitedHealthcare.
Think of it this way: the recipe stays the same, but the chef changes. Anthem may season things a little differently—they have their own systems, tools, and approach—but the core ingredients of your health and prescription coverage remain what they’ve always been.
And if you’re wondering whether you’ll still be able to see your doctor or fill your prescriptions:
If your physician accepts Medicare, they’re already set. Just like before, your provider will simply bill the new insurance company—Anthem—instead of United. Your part in the process doesn’t change.
The goal here isn’t to disrupt your care. It’s to make it easier, smoother, and, ideally, better supported. Because great coverage isn’t just about paying for care—it’s about creating confidence in every decision you make about your health.
Learn What’s New
To help you understand this transition and get comfortable with your new plan, you’re invited to attend an in-person education meeting on:
📅 Tuesday, November 4, 2025
🕙 10:00 A.M. or 1:00 P.M.
At this session, representatives from RetireeFirst and the Fund Office will walk through the new plan’s benefits, coverage details, and what to expect beginning January 1st.
RSVP Required by October 31, 2025
Please RSVP no later than October 31, 2025, to confirm your attendance.
📞 RetireeFirst
Local: (219) 220-4037 (TTY 711)
Toll-Free: (844) 617-5747 (TTY 711)
🕗 Monday–Friday, 8:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. CDT
Frequently Asked Questions – Anthem Medicare Preferred PPO Transition
Q1: Does this change mean my retiree health or prescription coverage is being reduced?
A: No. Your coverage remains the same—protected by the laws that allow your retiree plan to exist. What’s changing is who administers it. Beginning January 1, 2026, your coverage will move from UnitedHealthcare to Anthem under the new Medicare Preferred PPO program.
Think of it like switching from one trusted pharmacy counter to another: the labels, safety, and results stay consistent, but the service and experience may feel a little different.
If your doctor accepts Medicare (as most do), nothing changes on your end. Your provider will simply bill Anthem instead of UnitedHealthcare, and your prescription coverage will continue through the new plan.
Q2: Will I need a new ID card or have to do anything before January 1, 2026?
A: Yes. You’ll receive a new ID card from Anthem before the new plan begins. Once you get it, use it for all doctor visits, hospital services, and prescriptions starting January 1, 2026.
You don’t need to re-enroll or complete additional paperwork—your transition happens automatically. The Fund Office and RetireeFirst are working closely with Anthem to make sure your information transfers smoothly and your coverage continues without interruption.
The only thing you need to do right now? RSVP for the November 4th education meeting by October 31, 2025. Understanding your new plan in advance makes the transition seamless.
Q3: What if my pharmacy or doctor has questions about the new plan?
A: Simple: they contact Anthem directly, just as they did with UnitedHealthcare before. Anthem has dedicated support teams ready to answer questions from providers about coverage, billing, and prescription claims.
From your perspective, nothing changes—you just continue to see your doctor and fill your prescriptions as usual. The Fund Office and RetireeFirst are also available to help resolve any issues quickly, so you never have to navigate it alone.
Think of it like switching phone carriers: your number stays the same, your friends can still reach you, and you can reach them, and the new company handles the technical side so you can focus on what matters—your health.