How GEA Supplemental Plans Are Structured

GEA’s supplemental plans are built as a wraparound layer on top of TRICARE or CHAMPVA, using a three-part structure: GEA as the plan sponsor (member association), The Hartford as the insurance underwriter, and SelmanCo as the licensed third-party administrator (TPA) handling enrollment, billing, and claims support.

The 3 Building Blocks Behind Every GEA Supplement Plan

1. The Plan Sponsor: GEA

GEA is a non-profit, tax-exempt membership association founded in 1965. Its role is to sponsor the group program and make these benefits available to eligible members.

This means that you’re not buying “insurance from GEA” like you would from a typical carrier. You are enrolling in a group supplemental insurance plan sponsored by an association (GEA).

Compliance note: GEA is not a government-regulated insurance carrier, not a broker/agency/administrator, and not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government. The promoted insurance products themselves are regulated at the state level.

2. The Underwriter: Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company

The actual insurance risk is carried by Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company (The Hartford). This is the entity that underwrites the policies and issues the coverage terms and conditions.

Why it matters:

The “rules of the road” live in the policy/certificate, including exclusions, limitations, and continuation/termination provisions.

3. The Administrator: SelmanCo

GEA supplemental plans are administered by SelmanCo, a licensed TPA (third-party administrator) that supports the operational side of the plan.

From a member perspective, SelmanCo is typically who you interact with for the following:

• Enrollment and billing tools (including the eService portal for policy info, claims status, deductible tracking, payments, and forms)
• Claims intake and claims support resources
• FAQs and customer assistance

How the Coverage Layering Works (Primary Plan & Supplement)

GEA’s TRICARE and CHAMPVA Supplemental Insurance plans are designed to wrap around your existing government health program, helping with eligible out-of-pocket costs that the primary program does not pay.

TRICARE: What The Supplement Is Built to Pick Up

With TRICARE alone, you can still face deductibles and cost shares, sometimes up to 25% for covered prescriptions, visits, and hospital stays, depending on the TRICARE plan design.

CHAMPVA: Why A Supplement Exists at All

VA explains that CHAMPVA generally involves a 25% cost share of the allowable amount, plus an annual deductible (with additional rules for other insurance and catastrophic cap).

GEA’s CHAMPVA Supplemental Insurance plan is positioned to help minimize eligible out-of-pocket costs that CHAMPVA leaves behind.

Supplements don’t “override” the primary plan. They follow it. If the primary program does not cover a service, the supplement won’t cover it either.

Eligibility Is “Two Locks, One Door”

Think of enrollment like a door with two locks:

Lock #1: You Must Have the Right Primary Coverage

• TRICARE Supplemental Insurance Plan: you must be enrolled in TRICARE.
• CHAMPVA Supplemental Insurance Plan: you must be enrolled in CHAMPVA

Lock #2: You Must Meet Association Eligibility (GEA Membership)

GEA’s structure is membership-based. For example, CHAMPVA supplement eligibility is described in GEA materials as requiring CHAMPVA coverage and GEA membership.

GEA membership value is also tied to “mass purchasing,” which is how association-sponsored group rates are achieved.

Medicare coordination note: Medicare beneficiaries may not enroll in the CHAMPVA or TRICARE Supplement Insurance plans.

Claims: What Happens, Step by Step

Most of the time, your provider submits the claim under your primary program first (TRICARE or CHAMPVA). Then the supplement reimbursement is determined based on what the primary program approved.

A typical member flow looks like this:

1. Provider submits the claim to TRICARE or CHAMPVA (often electronically).
2. Primary program processes the claim and generates an Explanation of Benefits (EOB).
3. SelmanCo reviews for supplement eligibility (correct plan, documentation, limits, exclusions, and the cost-share amounts left behind).
4. Reimbursement is issued for eligible out-of-pocket amounts that the supplement covers.

What If CHAMPVA/TRICARE Denies a Claim?

Claim denial is often tied to non-covered services or missing required authorizations. Structurally, supplements only reimburse approved cost-sharing, so if the primary program denies the service, the supplement will deny it as well.

FAQ

What is GEA’s role in these supplemental plans?

GEA is the plan sponsor and a non-profit membership association that makes supplemental insurance benefits available to eligible members. GEA is not an insurance carrier, broker, agency, or administrator.

Who underwrites GEA supplemental plans?

GEA supplemental plans are underwritten by Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company.

Who administers the plans and supports members?

The plans are administered by SelmanCo, a licensed third-party administrator (TPA). SelmanCo supports enrollment, billing, and claims assistance.

How does the supplement work with TRICARE or CHAMPVA?

The supplemental plans are designed to help with eligible out-of-pocket cost-sharing amounts that remain after TRICARE or CHAMPVA processes a covered claim.

Does the supplement pay if TRICARE or CHAMPVA denies the claim?

No. Supplemental plans generally follow the primary program’s decision. If TRICARE or CHAMPVA denies a service as not covered, the supplemental plan will also deny it.

Where can members verify eligibility, coverage, or claim status?

Members can use SelmanCo’s customer resources or call 800-735-6262 to verify coverage, eligibility, or claim status. Policyholders can also manage payments through their eService portal.

Have Questions About Eligibility or Which Supplemental Option Fits Your Situation?

GEA’s team can help you understand plan structure, membership requirements, and where to go for claims support. Reach out to us today.