» A CHECKLIST allows you to organize your thoughts in comparing complex alternatives. There is a line item with an explanation for each entry and room for Alcatel-Lucent's plans and two alternatives. And you'll need to devote a lot of personal time to these important decisions. One healthcare expert laments,

"studies indicate that many people allot a half-hour or less to the task, and then simply renew last year's selections without weighing the changes in their benefits or in their lives,"

» The Checklists, below, have been designed to organize the process as much as possible.

» They are presented by individual situations with only the most relevant items shown. Of course, every individual's situation is different so be sure to consider items that may not be on the Checklist.

» They are designed to cover the questions that apply to management retirees and their spouses and certain dependents. Although the format is also useful for any retiree, the Checklists are not directly applicable to others such as non-represented occupational.

» Refer to the [TAB] How To Use Guide which will provide the details you need.

» Health plans are different in every state. And of course, Medicare and non-Medicare plans are very different. So you'll need to do specific homework before you can fill in the Checklists with the data from the plans. You'll need to budget your time carefully to make your decision before November 21, when Alcatel-Lucent's enrollment period ends. The Checklists are described by the plans that will be in your default "yellow envelope", which start arriving in early November.

Pre Medicare Health Plan Checklists
Pre-Medicare health plan with HMO	updated 10/12/08
Pre-Medicare health plan with Enhanced POS	updated  11/1/08
Pre-Medicare health plan with Basic POS	updated  11/1/08
Pre-Medicare health plan with Indemnity	updated  11/1/08
Medicare Health Plan Checklists
Medicare health plan with SecureHorizons PFFS	updated 11/1/08
Medicare health plan with HMO	updated 10/12/08
Prescription Drugs Checklist
Medicare Prescription Drugs	updated  11/1/08
The Checklists were pdated when the "yellow envelopes" with plan lists were received in early November..

Because each individual's situation is different and because there are so many variables, providing specific advice just isn't possible. A very readable description for helping you through this process is from the U.S. Health Quality Agency. Use this to help understand the differences between the many types of plans.  In general, the trade-off between fee-for-service plans vs. managed care plans is reduced choice for increased affordability. Similarly, Medicare plans with more options generally have higher monthly fees. More references are at the bottom of this page.