New information shows TVA and its retirees were both misled by Via Benefits about Medicare plan rates and retirees' options to purchase new plans.  TVA executives and staff were unaware of the rate disparities until provided documented rate analyses which showed that some of the Via Benefits' most popular plans had rates 50-60% higher than plans offered by a local agent or broker

In addition, it appears that federal and state laws were not followed when TVA terminated the retirees' Medicare affected retirees supplemental plan in 2017.  According to the law, retirees could have purchased their new Medicare Supplement plans from any and all insurers who offered plans in their locale and were protected by guaranteed issue rights to do so until March 3, 2017.  The law also required that retirees be given formal written notification of these rights by TVA.

A response to a FOIA request submitted to TVA shows retirees never received complete and accurate notification of their guaranteed issue rights, as required by federal and state laws.  As a result, there are likely thousands who needlessly paid higher rates for Via Benefits' plans.  Over the next 15 years, some retirees could end up paying an extra $20,000 for their Via Benefits plans.

TVA staff stated they relied on Via Benefits to guide TVA in provision of legally required communication materials to retirees and that they had no reason to believe that Via Benefits claims of competitive rates were not true.