Continuation of Health Benefits Following Retirement
You will need to decide how to continue your medical benefits during retirement. You may have several options to consider.
COBRA
- Federal law requires that you are offered benefits to be continued at your cost for a specified time period. If you are actively enrolled in benefits at the time you retire, you will receive a COBRA letter from the Benefits office containing information regarding continuation of health benefits, life insurance and disability insurance. Click here for more details: COBRA.
However, you will need to decide whether COBRA benefits or, if applicable, any of the following plans is more appropriate for your insurance needs. Please also refer to the Frequently Asked Questions for additional information.
If you are a MPSERS participant:
Once you retire, you are offered medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage for you and your eligible dependents. These benefits may be continued indefinitely based on the retirement payment option you choose (straight life or one of three survivor options). Insurance cost is deducted from your monthly pension check. You may choose to enroll at retirement or at a later time based on a qualifying status change (i.e. lose coverage elsewhere).
If you are a Regular Faculty Member carrying MESSA:
You are eligible to remain on your current plan and make payment directly to MESSA. You can choose to maintain the $5000 life insurance coverage included with the policy even if you decide not to continue the medical coverage. This coverage may be continued indefinitely. You will pay the full premium directly to the carrier. You must take coverage at time of retirement to be eligible to continue this coverage.
If you are eligible for CMU Retiree status:
Staff (excluding OP's per their bargaining agreement) and temporary faculty (with no break in benefit eligible status) must be hired prior to 7/01/2008 and must retire before 7/1/2011 and meet the following criteria: You must be covered as an active employee under CMU's medical and prescription coverage at time of retirement, you need to be in the ORP retirement plan and you must meet the criteria of a CMU retiree.
Fact sheet - Changes to Access to Retiree Healthcare 2008
Per bargaining agreement, Office Professionals must meet the following criteria: You must be covered as an active employee under CMU's medical and prescription coverage at the time of retirement, you need to be in the ORP retirement plan and you must meet the criteria of a CMU retiree.
If you are not eligible for MPSERS Blue Cross & Blue Shield or MESSA health coverage at time of retirement, you may be eligible to continue your current coverage under the CMU Retiree group medical and prescription drug plan.
You will pay the full premium directly to CMU's Benefits office. You must enroll at time of retirement to be eligible to continue this coverage.
If your spouse is still actively working:
You should check with your spouse's employer to determine if they can pick up coverage or add you to their existing coverage. You may also already be covered by their group plan and may not need the plans described above at the time you retire.
However, you may have to make an irrevocable decision at time of retirement.
Do I continue one of my plans or go on my spouse's?
You will want to compare your options against your spouse's options to decide which option is best before you lock in your decision at CMU.
If you are retired from previous employment or the military:
You may be eligible for insurance through other retirement plans. You will need to assess the plans and decide which option is best before you lock in your decision at CMU.