This is a reminder that December is open enrollment for those who have opted out of the BBFI Medical Plan as their Medicare Supplement.

Per Mission Office policy, you have the opportunity to re-enroll in the BBFI Medical Plan during the month of December. If you would like to re-enroll please let me know of your decision by mid-December.

For those who may be unaware, as a “Retired” BBFI Missionary, you have the option of opting out of the BBFI Medical Plan and using a commercial policy as your Medicare supplement. In some instances, supplemental plans may be obtained for considerably less than the cost of the BBFI Plan each month.

A few considerations if you are interested in opting out of the BBFI Medical Plan.

1. Will you be traveling internationally? If you plan on traveling back to the field for visits, special occasions, or support work, you may want to keep the BBFI Plan. Even as a retired missionary the IMG plan will cover you on the field.

2. The biggest issue to research is how the supplement handles prescription costs. If you take more than a couple prescriptions, you could be greatly impacted by things like, “The Donut Hole” in Medicare D or similar supplements.

3. If you have already opted out of the Medical Plan and would like to travel internationally, IMG does provide several options for short-term mission trip coverage.

4. INTANA Evacuation Insurance. Upon your retirement, you are no longer charged for emergency evacuation insurance. If you plan to travel to the field for any length of time, please contact Heidi at the Mission Office to let her know to put you back on the evacuation plan.

If you are interested in opting out of the BBFI Medical Plan, please contact me at the Mission Office and I can send you the necessary documentation.

You will need three items:

1. A notarized statement (provided by the Mission Office).
2. Sending Pastor approval form (provided by the Mission Office).
3. Proof of coverage reflecting the cost of your Medicare Supplement. You will be required to provide this on an annual basis.

As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Michael K Duff
BBFI Medical Plan Coordinator
mduff@bbfimissions.com
(417)862-5001