Board OKs contract for Medicare recipients

The state has approved a contract with Extend Health to provide eligible public retirees with supplemental plans for health care costs not covered by Medicare.

Jim Wells of the Public Employees Benefits Program said Nevada is the first state to offer a Medicare exchange program to retirees. He said Extend Health operates the largest private Medicare exchange in the nation.

The program will allow retirees eligible for Medicare to purchase Medigap, Medicare Advantage, Part D prescription coverage for drug, dental and vision from a list of more than 45 plans offered by 12 carriers in Nevada. Retirees who don't live in Nevada also have a wide range of plans from 67 carriers to select coverage from.

Wells said the agreement will enable PEBP to continue providing benefits to Medicare eligible retirees "while reducing costs to taxpayers and participants."