Retiree Benefits

If you meet the requirements of one of the retirement plans, then you may retire as a official USI retiree. *Medical, dental and life benefits are not available to all retirees. 

Regular Retirement Plan: A retirement option available to benefit- eligible faculty, administrators, and support staff employees who are at least 60 years of age with ten years of consecutive service.

Early Retirement Plan: Original Plan for benefit-eligible faculty and administrators hired in eligible positions prior to January 1, 1999: A retirement option for eligible employees with at least 15 or more consecutive years of service. Plan not available to any employee hired on or after January 1, 1999.

Rule of 85: Effective January 1, 1999, a retirement option available to benefit-eligible faculty, administrators, and support staff employees who are at least 55 but less than 60 years of age in which years of service and age at retirement equal 85 or more. The final ten years of service at the University must be consecutive.

Revised Retirement Plan (Effective January 1, 1999): A retirement option available to eligible faculty members and administrators who are at least 60 years of age with 20 years of service, of which the last 10 years must be consecutive.

Employees hired before July 1, 2014, in a full-time, benefits-eligible position:
Employees whose age plus years of full-time, benefits-eligible service (as reflected by the Adjusted Service Date) equal 57 as of July 1, 2014, or who have 10 years of full-time, benefits-eligible service (as reflected by the Adjusted Service Date) as of July 1, 2014, are entitled to continue medical and dental insurance benefits during the period of retirement by paying premiums based on the following premium contribution schedule:

Employees hired July 1, 2014, and later are not entitled to continue medical and dental insurance benefits beyond the retirement date except as provided for under COBRA regulations.

No, the retiree must be enrolled in health and/or dental coverage for the spouse to have coverage.

The Medicare Advantage plans are single plans, but a retirees spouse's coverage is based on the retirees coverage, so if the retiree is on the Core plan then the spouse has to be on the Core plan.

As your 65th birthday approaches, you will receive a enrollment packet from Amwins. Once you receive it, you will need to elect the plan you want. You will also need to make sure you enroll in Medicare A and B in order to enroll in the University's Medicare Advantage plan.  

The video below is a helpful resource on how to enroll in Medicare online. 

How to enroll in Medicare:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9s8B1jvDI68

Amwins is the company that handles eligibility and billing for the university retiree plans. Once an eligible employee reaches retirement, they will set up payment with Amwins. 

Please update the Direct Payment Authorization Form and send to Amwins. 

United Healthcare is the company that provides the University's retirement health plans. The University offers a Medicare Advantage plan to eligible retirees. 

The United Healthcare Medicare Advantage Plan, like other advantage plans, requires retirees to enroll in and pay for Medicare plans A and B. The UHC Medicare Advantage plan enhances and bundles the plans together so that providers only need to bill one insurance plan. Learn more about the Medicare Advantage Plans at medicare.gov and in.gov/ship/.

If an eligible employee is not yet eligible for Medicare then they will remain on the UMR or Surest Health Plan until they are eligible. Once they are eligible they will automatically switch to the Medicare Advantage Plan.  

The HouseCalls program is not required and does not take the place of your primary doctor. Think of a HouseCalls visit as an extra layer of care. It gives
you valuable one-on-one time you don’t always get in the
doctor’s office. Plus, we share details about your visit with
your regular doctor. 

Prescriptions costs can be high, but there are ways to save. Retirees can contact United Healthcare to ensure they are using the Preferred Pharmacy Network and consider using the Home Delivery 90 day supply for maintenance drugs. In addition retirees can check on the best places to get prescriptions by visiting the following price comparison websites. 

GoodRx - Compare prices and get coupons for prescriptions. Good Rx coupons can be used instead of insurance. The pharmacy can tell you which is the better deal. Click on the link for more information.

BlinkHealth -  Compare prices and get coupons for prescriptions. Blink Health coupons can be used instead of insurance. The pharmacy can tell you which is the better deal. Click on the link for more information.

Extra Help - Medicare beneficiaries can qualify for Extra Help paying for their monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and co-payments related to Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage). You can apply online or call 800-772-1213. 

Paramount Dental (formerly HRI) is the current dental provider for the University. 

Vision is not offered as a retirement benefit but can be extended by 18 months through COBRA once you retire.  

Once retiree's are eligible for Medicare, they must enroll in Part A and B Medicare. Retirees can make an appointment and go in person the the SSA office (make appointment 30 days in advance) or they can enroll online. The video below is a helpful resource to the online enrollment option. 

How to enroll in Medicare:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9s8B1jvDI68