About the Health Options Program

We give you options for retiree health care. The Health Options Program operates for the sole benefit of participants of the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS), their dependents and survivors. Under the Health Options Program, you have access to comprehensive medical and prescription drug coverage before and after you become eligible for

Coverage under the Health Options Program is not automatic. Eligible retirees, dependents or survivors, must actively enroll to participate in benefits designed exclusively for PSERS members.

You Have Options

In a recent survey, approximately 90% of respondents said the Health Options Program provides just the right number of options. What’s available to you under the Health Options Program depends on your eligibility for Medicare.

If you are Medicare-Eligible:

Medicare Supplement Plans. A supplement to Original Medicare that provides coverage anywhere in the United States and abroad when you are traveling. Medicare Supplement plan options: HOP Medical Plan and Value Medical Plan.

Medicare Advantage Plans. A replacement for Original Medicare that requires you to use the plan’s network of providers to receive the maximum benefit. Various plan options available from Aetna, Capital Blue Cross, Highmark, Independence Blue Cross and UPMC.

Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Medicare Part D coverage). Available with or without a Medicare Supplement plan. For Medicare Advantage plans, prescription drug coverage will be provided by that plan. Prescription drug plan options: Enhanced, Basic or Value Medicare Rx Options.

MetLife Dental and EyeMed Vision Option. Available if you enroll in either Medicare Supplement plan (HOP Medical Plan or Value Medical Plan); not available on a standalone basis or with a Medicare Advantage plan.

If you are not eligible for Medicare:

HOP Pre-65 Medical Plan. Medical coverage for non-Medicare-eligible participants. Prescription drug coverage is available as an optional election.

Managed care plans. Medical coverage for non-Medicare-eligible participants that requires you to use the plan’s network of providers to receive the maximum benefit. Various pre-65 plan options are available from Aetna, Capital Blue Cross, Highmark, Independence Blue Cross, and UPMC.

Information Sessions

Interested in learning more? Attend an information session! Two types of sessions are available:

• Individual phone consultations: For individuals with specific questions about how the Health Options Program benefits will meet their needs.
• Webinars: Online large group webinars that provide a comprehensive overview of the Health Options Program and the benefits available.

Medicare Star Rating

Each year, Medicare evaluates prescription drug plans and awards a star rating to each plan based on performance. The Health Options Program’s prescription drug plans received a 4.5-star rating for 2024, indicating that the program is highly rated in comparison to other prescription drug plans nationwide.

Learn More About the Health Options Program

Our virtual benefits fair, discoverHOPbenefits.com, has all the information you need as a prospective member of the Health Options Program. Visit the virtual benefits fair for helpful resources, including videos and decision support tools, from all our benefits partners.

Last Modified: January 22, 2024