HR-14-0 Health Insurance for Spouse/Dependents of Retirees Procedure

These procedures reflect the current situation but may change if the negotiated agreements and/or employee handbooks change.

Nothing in this procedure shall be construed as creating a contract between the employee and the College or changing a handbook or contract between College employee groups or the insurance carrier. Domestic partners of retirees are eligible for the same benefits as spouses of retirees. Age 65: If the spouse of a retiree is 55 or older when the retiree reaches age 65, the spouse may remain on the retiree health insurance plan until the earlier of reaching age 65 or becoming eligible for Medicare. See "Note" below. If the spouse of a retiree is under age 55 when the retiree reaches age 65, the spouse may continue health insurance coverage for up to 36 months under the COBRA plan. Coverage beyond 36 months under COBRA is subject to the insurance carrier. See "Note" below. In both cases, the spouse will be required to pay the full cost of the insurance premium.

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.