Be in the know
Review your retiree coverage and what's new
Medicare retiree medical premiums
Your 2026 premiums depend on your plan and coverage level, so be sure to review your costs when you enroll. If you have more than one option available to you, you could save money by choosing the most cost-effective plan for your situation.
Review the coverage summaries below, then consider your monthly premiums based on coverage level and other factors:
- Medicare PPOs
- Medicare HMOs
- Old and New Plan (closed to new participants)
Life insurance rates
If you are enrolled in supplemental life insurance coverage, keep in mind that rates are increasing for 2026.
You can review your specific health care contributions and life insurance rates for 2026 when you enroll through the Dow U.S. Benefits Site.
Important updates to the Aetna Medicare Advantage MAPD PPO
As Aetna previously communicated, coverage will be split into separate plans effective January 1, 2026 (with no impact on copays or need to re-enroll to keep your coverage). Here’s what this means for you:
- Your medical and prescription drug coverage will be two separate plans. You will have one plan for medical coverage through the Medicare Advantage PPO (MAPPO) and one plan for prescription drug coverage called Aetna Medicare Rx® offered by SilverScript®. Note: Rx Savings Solutions (RxSS) described below is not available with this plan.
- You’ll receive separate ID cards. You’ll receive one for your medical coverage and another for prescription drug coverage.
- You’ll be automatically enrolled. If you’re currently enrolled in the Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan and you do not opt out or change plans between November 3 – 20, 2025, you’ll be automatically enrolled in the new medical and prescription drug plans effective January 1, 2026.
Read a copy of the letter Aetna mailed recently regarding this change.
Diabetic supplies under Aetna Medicare Advantage coverage
This update is for all Aetna Medicare Advantage plans, except for the Medicare Advantage PPO (MAPPO) that is being split into separate medical and prescription coverage. If you are filling a diabetic supply under your pharmacy coverage, and are impacted by this change, you’ll receive a mailing from Aetna in November. Your diabetic supplies, such as the monitor and test strips, will be covered under your Aetna medical coverage, not through your prescription drug plan. You will use your Aetna medical ID card for these supplies, which still require a doctor's prescription. Review the letter from Aetna regarding this change and what actions you need to take for 2026.
Spend less on your prescriptions under Aetna coverage options (excluding MAPPO)
Rx Savings Solutions (RxSS) can help you save money on prescription drugs. This confidential service connects with your Dow-sponsored medical plan to show you lower-cost options for medications you and your family are currently taking. Learn more.
Meet Violet: Smart tools for smart choices on the Dow U.S. Benefits Site
The Dow U.S. Benefits Site, now powered by the Violet smart system, provides quick and easy answers to your questions, along with personalized guidance and support in making your decisions. You have access to a powerful set of smart tools designed to take the guesswork out of managing your benefits, making your experience smoother and more user-friendly. Discover Violet on the Dow U.S. Benefits Site today.
Stay up to date with text messages
Sign up on the Dow U.S. Benefits Site to stay informed, focusing on important, real-time benefit news and updates only. See how.
Other important things to know
- If your spouse/domestic partner is also a Dow retiree or current Dow employee, don't enroll for coverage twice.
- To allow another person to access information about your plan/benefits, you must have an approved authorization on file.
- To permit another person to make decisions for you without the need for your approval, you need to submit a Power of Attorney (POA) to Dow that describes the powers you wish to delegate.
Please remember that a POA on file with Dow does not carry over to Aetna. If you would like to permit another person to speak with Aetna on your behalf, call Aetna Member Services at the number on the back of your ID card or visit dow.aetnamedicare.com for more information.
If you participated in the Retirement Health Care Assistance Plan (RHCAP) while you were working at Dow, you can use it for reimbursement of eligible Dow or non-Dow medical premiums (including premiums for Medicare Part B and standalone Medicare Part D plans) and Dow will match your funds dollar for dollar. Also, there are two investment allocation options for the money in your RHCAP account.
For more information, sign into your account at viabenefitsaccounts.com or call Via Benefits at (800) 953-5395 (TTY:711).