If I pass away as a retiree, can my dependent still continue their health insurance?
Yes. Dependents may continue their existing benefit(s) in the event of a retiree’s death.
If I don’t need benefits now because I’m on my spouse’s benefits, may I enroll later?
Upon your retirement date, the eligibility for retiree health benefits will be established, and you may select the one time opt-out option to preserve their ability to opt back in.
If I remove my dependent(s) at the time of retirement, can they be added back at any time and what is the process?
Yes, a dependent may be added during the annual Open Enrollment period for a January 1 effective date of the following year, or throughout the year within 30 days of a Qualifying Event such as a loss of other coverage.
If I move out of state, may I keep my benefits?
If you are enrolled in the Aetna HMO or the Aetna PPO plan, you are able to keep your current benefits. If you are enrolled in the CareFirst HMO plan (which covers MD, DC and Northern VA) and are moving outside of the service area, you may request to switch to one of the Aetna plans within 30 days of the move.
If I don’t add my spouse to my benefits when I retire, may I add them later?
Yes, you may add your spouse during the annual Open Enrollment period for an effective date of January 1 the following year. Outside of Open Enrollment you may add them within 30 days of a Qualifying Event such as a loss of other coverage.
May I cancel my retirement benefits at any time?
Yes, a retiree may terminate benefits at any time throughout the year. A retiree benefits change form is required to be submitted to the Benefits office. The effective date of the term is the first of the month following the receipt of the change form and the approval by the Benefits office.
Can I change my medical at the time of retirement?
Only if you are currently enrolled in the CareFirst HMO plan (which covers MD, DC and Northern VA), and are moving out of the service area upon retirement. The change must be done within 30 days of the move. If you are enrolled in any of the Aetna medical plans, you will have to wait until Open Enrollment to make any changes to your plan.
When may I change my insurance plans?
Insurance plans may be changed during the Open Enrollment period. If you are insured with the Carefirst HMO medical benefit, you may change medical plans outside of Open Enrollment, within 30 days of moving out of the Carefirst network area.
Will the Board change the contributions at some point? Will I be grandfathered in if they change the rates while I’m retired?
The Board has the authority to make changes to retiree benefits based on the availability of funds. While the Benefits Office cannot dictate how the Board allocates funds, we do advocate for Retiree Benefits, and for keeping retiree offerings as consistent as possible. Grandfathering has been the Board’s past practice when changes were made.
Where can I find the Retiree benefits rates?
Retiree Benefits Rates can be found on our Retiree Benefits website, under “Annual Costs.”