Retiree Benefits

Medical coverage for a retiree and his/her eligible dependents in effect at the time of retirement may continue. Medical benefits in lieu of COBRA will be available to the retiree and any eligible dependents until the retiree reaches age 65 or becomes eligible for Medicare, whichever occurs first provided the retiree is not eligible for coverage through another employer. Medical benefits will cease if the retiree becomes eligible for benefits through employment with another employer. Plan options and plan provisions will be the same as for active employees and are subject to change at any time by the College.

When coverage ends for a retiree, continuation coverage through COBRA will be extended to any COBRA eligible dependents still covered under the group plan.

Cost of Coverage for Retirees
The amount of college and retiree contributions toward retiree medical insurance varies based on the retiree’s latest date of hire (adjusted service date).

1. The College will pay the full cost of coverage for those retirees who were hired before January 1, 2007.
2. Retirees who were hired on or after January 1, 2007, will be responsible for paying the full cost of coverage if they choose to continue under the College's group plan. 

Cost of Coverage for Spouse and Eligible Dependents
The cost to continue coverage for a spouse or any eligible dependents will be equivalent to the COBRA rate in effect at that time.

Medical Plan Opt-out Provision
At the time of retirement, the retiree may decline to be covered under the retiree medical coverage. The retiree will relinquish any rights to enroll in the future after declining the retiree medical coverage. The opt-out option can only be requested at the time of retirement and is not available after the retirement date.

Dental coverage for a retiree and any eligible dependents in effect at the time of retirement may continue. Dental benefits in lieu of COBRA will be available to the retiree and any eligible dependents until the retiree reaches age 65 or becomes eligible for Medicare, whichever occurs first provided the retiree is not eligible for coverage through another employer. Dental benefits will cease if a retiree becomes eligible for benefits through employment with another employer. Plan options and plan provisions will be the same as for active employees and are subject to change at any time by the College.

When coverage ends for a retiree, continuation coverage through COBRA will be extended to any COBRA eligible dependents still covered under the group plan.

Cost of Coverage
The cost to continue dental coverage for a spouse or any eligible dependents will be equivalent to the COBRA rate in effect at that time.

The College will continue a life insurance benefit of $5,000 for a retiree. Retirees may have the option to continue part of the life insurance policy that was in effect prior to retirement through conversion or portability of coverage. Continuation must be elected within 31 days of the date of retirement. Please call SunLife directly at 1-800-247-6875.

Retirees are eligible to enroll in one of the Emeriti Health Insurance options once they have attained age 65 and enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. A retiree’s spouse, who is age 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part A and B, may also enroll when the retiree does provided it is in the same Emeriti Health Insurance Plan Option. If a spouse or eligible child is not Medicare-eligible, they can enroll in Emeriti's pre-65 Health Insurance Plan Option when the retiree enrolls.

The Emeriti Reimbursement Benefit can be used by retirees to pay for any qualified out-of-pocket medical expenses, including other health insurance, after retirement from the College. Please click here for more information.

Tuition remission benefits will continue to be available to you as a retiree (up to 8 credit hours per semester), your spouse and any eligible dependents whether enrolled or not at the College as of your retirement date, provided eligibility requirements have been met.

Cash award benefits will continue to be available to those dependents enrolled in an accredited institution as of the date of your retirement.

Educational benefits will be provided in accordance with the College’s Educational Benefit Plan. The College reserves the right to change the benefits if, in the future, the Educational Benefit Plan changes for active employees.

• Retirees are always welcome to come to the College and use the facilities by presenting their College ID card, including the library.
• Use of the Fitness Center and Wellness Clinic is free to retirees.
• A retiree's e-mail account will continue to be available to the retiree.
• Retirees may obtain a parking permit each year by contacting the Office of Public Safety and Emergency Management.