Click to view the Open Enrollment Notice. Coverage effective date is January 1, 2026.

Introducing Altus Vision Insurance

Beginning January 1, 2026, Altus will become the city’s vision insurance carrier with the following benefits available to enrolled members (all retirees regardless of Medicare status are eligible to enroll): 

• $175 allowance for a wide selection of frames or contact lenses once every 12 months
• WellVision Exam every 12 months with just a $10 copay
• Laser Vision Correction average savings of 15%–20%
• VSP Essential Medical Eye Care Program for members with diabetes
• Exclusive member extras, including discounts on hearing aids through TruHearing

Additionally, the VSP Vision Savings Pass will be available to all eligible retirees at no cost, even if you don’t enroll in the vision plan. This is not an insurance plan, but a discount program offering reduced fees on eligible services, such as eye exams, frames and lenses, when you visit a VSP network provider.

Altus Vision Benefits Summary

Altus Vision enrollment form

Altus Vision additional information

Health Insurance Options

BCBS Medex 2 with PDP

• Offering nationwide coverage with every provider that accepts Medicare.
• No Plan Design Changes: You can count on the same coverage and benefits you're accustomed to.
• Effective January 1, 2026, there will be an increase in your monthly premium rates.
• If you are currently enrolled in this plan, and do not wish to make any changes, no action is necessary.

Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO

• This plan offers coverage in the following service areas: Barnstable, Bristol, Essex, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties.
• No Plan Design Changes: You can count on the same coverage and benefits you're accustomed to.
• Effective January 1, 2026, there will be an increase in your monthly premium rates.
• If you are currently enrolled in this plan, and do not wish to make any changes, no action is necessary.
  

Medicare PPO Blue FreedomRx 

• Medicare PPO Blue FreedomRx provides a national network of healthcare providers, giving you the flexibility to choose the doctors and specialists you prefer for your medical needs.
• Competitive cost-sharing options, with $0 copayments in and out of network and no deductibles.
• Effective January 1, 2026, there will be an increase in your monthly premium rates.
• Enjoy peace of mind with out-of-network coverage, providing you with essential healthcare services even when you travel or seek care outside the network.
• If you are currently enrolled in this plan, and do not wish to make any changes, no action is necessary.

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Click to view the 2026 Benefit Comparison Chart

INFORMATION SESSIONS

Come to an in-person Open Enrollment informational session during the month of November. Learn about your health and vision plan options. HR staff, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Altus, and Tufts plan representatives will be available to answer all of your benefit questions.

November 6th, 10:00 am - 12:00 noon, Druker Auditorium, Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St. Newton (Presentations start at 10:15 am)

November 19th, 10:00 am - 12:00 noon, Druker Auditorium, Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St. Newton (Presentations start at 10:15 am)   

Please Note: If you are currently enrolled in a Medicare Eligible Retiree plan and DO NOT wish to make any changes, NO ACTION IS REQUIRED.

If you are currently on the Tufts Medicare Preferred Plan and plan to enroll in either BCBSMA Medex 2 or BCBSMA Medicare PPO Blue Freedom RX plan, please be sure to complete a Tufts disenrollment form.

If you are currently on the BCBSMA Medicare HMO Blue plan and plan to enroll in the Tufts Medicare Preferred Plan or BCBSMA Medex 2 with PDP plan, please be sure to complete a BCBS disenrollment form.

Please Note: You will need to complete a separate enrollment form for yourself and spouse for all enrollments and disenrollments.

Plan Year 2026

BCBS Medex-2 with PDP Website Call Member Services 800-262-2583 Ekit	BCBS Medex-2 Summary of Benefits BCBS Medex-2 Enrollment form BCBS Blue Medicare Rx Summary of Benefits (Medex-2 Rx Plan) BCBS Blue Medicare Rx Enrollment Form 2026 BCBS Blue Medicare Rx Formulary 2026 BCBS Medex-2 Weight Loss Reimbursement Form  BCBS Medex-2 Fitness Reimbursement Form BCBS Medex- 2 with PDP Disenrollment Form
Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Website   Call Member Services 800-890-6600	Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Summary of Benefits Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Enrollment form Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Prime Rx 2026 Plan Highlights Tufts Medicare Preferred 2026 HMO Formulary Group Tufts Weight Management Reimbursement Form Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Disenrollment form
BCBS Medicare PPO Blue Freedom                                       Website Call Member Services                   800-262-2583 Ekit	BCBS Medicare PPO Blue FreedomRx Benefits Summary BCBS Medicare PPO Blue FreedomRx Enrollment Form BCBS Medicare PPO Blue Freedom Formulary 2026 BCBS Medicare PPO Blue Freedom Weight Loss Reimbursement Form BCBS Medicare PPO Blue Freedom Fitness Reimbursement Form

 

Wellness
As a reminder, all of our plans offer a $150 fitness and a separate $150 weight-loss reimbursement benefit.  You can submit for reimbursement for each calendar year, by March 31st of the following year.  Please call the Member Service number on your ID card or log on the plan website for more information.

Medical ID Cards
If you are changing your health insurance plan during this open enrollment period, you can expect to receive a new medical ID card prior to January 1st.

Stay Informed

Do you want to receive up-to-date information regarding retiree health and wellness benefit information from the HR department as soon as it becomes available? Click the box below to sign up: