MRA Customer Service Bulletins…

I C Blue Plan for individuals…
Did you know MRA offers individual health coverage underwritten by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan? I C Blue (Individual Care Blue) provides affordable health coverage to individuals for whom group coverage is not available or affordable.

The plan offers comprehensive coverage with no deductible and affordable co-payments, as well as prescription drug coverage. Participants have a wide choice of providers—95 percent of physicians, 98 percent of pharmacies and all hospitals that are available through the Blue Cross system participate in I C Blue.

Medicare D Open Enrollment…
A new Open Enrollment period for Medicare D will run from Nov. 15 through Dec. 31. If you participate in MRA’s group health coverage and have one or more employees age 65 or older, you are required to present the employee with a letter of creditable coverage by Nov. 15.

The letter certifies that the person’s current coverage is equal to or better than Medicare D’s coverage. A model letter is available on the MRA website, retailers.com (“Download Forms” under “Member Services”), along with a Guide to Creditable Coverage.

If you do not have group health through MRA but have an employee who is eligible for Medicare D, MRA can help that employee obtain Medicare D coverage.

E-mail MRA’s Linda Pollock at lpollock@retailers.com or call her at 800.366.3699 with any questions or for more information.

Alert: scam aims at food retailers…
A business called the “Michigan Food Service Compliance Center” has been mailing flyers to food establishments around the state (grocery stores, restaurants, specialty food retailers and others) and in other states selling “approved handwashing posters.”

The flyers quote sections of the Michigan Food Code and Food Law. The wording implies that an operator risks being closed down or fined up to $2,500 if the establishment fails to have hand-washing signs that meet “exact specifications.” Signs are then offered for sale for $19.95 each plus shipping.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) reminds all businesses and agencies that while handwashing signs are required, they are a non-critical item and would not result in fines or closure. Signs are only required to be legible and in the correct place.

This firm is not endorsed by MDA. If you have any questions, please call your inspecting agency.