Companies Using Exchanges for Retirees’ Health Coverage

Although fewer companies offer their Medicare-eligible retirees health coverage, some are beginning to help them find and pay for supplementary coverage. Certain employers have begun contracting with companies that operate insurance exchanges, allowing former employees to work with counselors to obtain coverage that replaces the benefits they previously received from their employer. Bruce Richards, chief actuary and quality leader for Mercer's health care business, said that employers can limit costs and administrative hassles by contracting with exchanges instead of offering retiree health benefits.

• "Some Employers Offer Aid to Retirees After Cutting Their Health Insurance" (Kaiser Health News/Washington Post, 10/15).