GE Elfun Medical and Dental Information

The Elfun Medical Benefits Plan Committee has completed our annual review with United Health Care, the plan administrator. The review included examination of current and projected premium income, claims payments, financial status, administration expenses, cost trends and other relevant data. As most participants know, the plan is self-supporting -- monthly premiums paid by participants fund all benefit payments and plan expenses.

In 2009, participation increased slightly to 22,900 people from 22,800 last year. We expect stable participation levels next year and for the foreseeable future.

The Elfun Medical Benefits Plan provides comprehensive coverage (after plan deductibles) for hospital, physician, and prescription drug charges not reimbursed through Medicare Parts A and B and the basic GE post-65 hospitalization and drug plans. The plan requires that participants have coverage under Medicare Parts A and B, the GE Medical Care Plan for Pensioners, and the GE Pensioner Prescription Drug Plan. The plan also offers coverage for many services not provided under the basic GE plans, including prescription drug benefits, dental preventive care benefits and medical services received outside the United States. These extra coverages, which exceed and add to those available in the basic GE plans, offer valuable benefits for our members. Of course, the cost for these added protections is reflected in the plan premium.

The Committee has approved two changes to the Elfun Medical Benefits Plan for 2010 to maintain the plan’s valuable financial protections while minimizing rate increases:

• The annual plan deductible will increase to $400 per person (current deductible is $300).

• The monthly premium rate will be $135 per participant, up 4.65% from $129 this year.

The deductible is being increased for the first time in more than 17 years. Our committee concluded that this would be a sensible change to help hold down the premium rate. Rising medical costs significantly affect a plan like ours which generally pays 80% of covered after-deductible expenses that are not paid by Medicare and the basic GE plans. The changes in the deductible and premium will help us continue the excellent level of protection for plan members, maintain the plan’s financial stability, and sustain the plan for the longer term.

Click here for Elfun Medical Benefits Plan Highlights

Click here for a claims processing guide for dental claims

Click here for Medical/Dental Claim Form

A current claims form with the up-to-date mailing address for Elfun claims.

If you have questions about the plan, please call the GE Pensioner Benefits Claims Center at 1-800-848-8406. A summary of benefits and other Elfun information is available on the GE Elfun Web Site

Click here for a list of commonly used telephone numbers and websites regarding your Elfun Benefits.