HR-14-1 Death of Retiree

If the spouse is age 55 or above at the date of the retiree's death, the spouse may remain on the retiree insurance plan until the earlier of reaching age 65 or becoming eligible to receive Medicare. See "Note" below.

If the spouse is under age 55 at the date of the retiree's death, he/she may remain on the retiree health insurance plan for one year from the date of the retiree's death. Continuation of health insurance coverage after the one-year period will be available under COBRA for up to 36 months. Coverage beyond 36 months under COBRA is subject to the insurance carrier. See "Note" below.

In both cases, the spouse of the deceased retiree will be responsible for full payment of either the retiree insurance plan premium or the COBRA plan. See "Note" below.

NOTE: It shall be the responsibility of affected individuals to contact the Human Resources Department and the Payroll Office when changes occur in any of the above insurance categories for retirees, e.g., birth of a child, death of a spouse, spouse turns 65. Such changes in eligibility will require the eligible spouse to complete new insurance forms under their own Social Security Number. Failure to do so could result in a loss or a decrease of benefits.