Based on data TVA revealed on February 13, 2019, around 14,000 TVA retirees and dependents are currently enrolled in plans offered through TVA's PME.  Of the 14,000, about 7,700 (55%) receive no specific healthcare credits or subsidies that would help offset the cost of the PME's plans.  The 7,700 purchased either Medigap plans or Medicare Advantage plans.

Many retirees were, and still are, uncertain if they receive any healthcare credit or subsidy from TVA.  During transition, retirees were repeatedly reminded that they would lose their credits or subsidies if they did not buy their new plans from the PME.  Of course, the 7,700 had nothing to lose by not purchasing through the PME, unless they had under-65 spouses that would lose TVA healthcare coverage.

Since the PME told them that its plans were priced competitively, many of the 7,700 may have mistakenly concluded that purchasing through the PME was a safe and smart financial decision.  We know now, without a doubt, that many of those retirees may have relied on misleading information in making their Medicare choices.

We do not know how many made poor decisions by purchasing through the PME, but if there was just one, that is one too many.

TVA released the above data on February 13, 2019 in response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.