Medex Gold is similar to the Medex coverage provided in most public retiree group plans (Also similar to state retirees’ Optional Medicare Extension (OME)). The difference, of course, is that most public retirees are subsidized by their local insurance contract. The level of subsidization varies greatly, averaging 75 percent.

Medex offers five other plans with decreasing benefits. The less expensive plans have higher co-payments and deductibles and do not offer the same level, or no, prescription drug coverage.

Some public retirees are not eligible for Medex (or OME) because they or their spouse do not receive any Social Security benefits and therefore they usually belong to the same plan as active employees. In most cases, public sector retirees holding Medex or OME insurance have excellent coverage despite some deductibles and co-payments. Our Association has always recommended group Medex or OME rather than an over-65 HMO plan for its members.

Blue Cross - Blue Shield Medex rates must be approved by the Commonwealth’s Division of Insurance each year.