Oct. 21, 2019
For more Information Contact
Steve Esack
Press Secretary
Public School Employees’ Retirement System
Phone: 717-720-4770
e-mail: stesack@pa.gov
PSERS prescription drug plan gets near-perfect CMS rating
HARRISBURG, PA – The prescription drug program operated by the Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement received a near-perfect score for customer service and care from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
The Prescription Drug Employer Group Waiver Plan, offered by PSERS Health Options Program (HOP), earned a 4.5 Star Rating from CMS for the upcoming 2020 calendar year. The CMS Medicare Star Ratings, based on a 5-Star point system, annually ranks all health and/or prescription drug plans based on quality and performance. The ratings are used to help consumers select the best plans for themselves or their families.
It is the second consecutive year PSERS received 4.5 Stars for overall service and quality of the prescription drug plan that retirees voluntarily pay for through a monthly premium. PSERS’ latest CMS Star rating was based in part on “how our members rate our plan’s services and care, and how well our plan helps our members use recommended and safe prescription medications.”
“I’m pleased that we were able to retain our 4.5 Star Rating out of 5,” said Peter Camacci, PSERS Director of the Health Insurance Office. “It is a testament to our employees and partners who work hard to keep the prescription drug plan as a safe, affordable option for our retirees.”
About PSERS Health Options Program
PSERS HOP Prescription Drug Plan is a voluntary, exclusive benefit of our retirees and their families. PSERS HOP Drug Program is fully funded through participating member premiums and provides coverage to more than 93,000 retirees.
About the Pennsylvania Public School Employees' Retirement System
PSERS was founded in 1917 to oversee a statewide defined benefit pension plan for public school employees. PSERS’ role expanded in 2019 to include oversight of a new defined contribution plan. PSERS membership covers about 256,000 active and 233,000 retired school employees.