Retiree Benefits

Retiree Benefits

The District pays the health (medical) insurance premium for all retired classified employees hired before July 1, 1987, and all retired management and academic employees hired before July 1, 1988, for "life" once they have been employed full-time for 10 continuous years and reach age 55. At age 65 or the age upon which Medicare becomes available, the retiree must enroll in Medicare Part A and B. The District will continue to pay the premium for both the retiree and spouse.

All retirees who were hired after July 1, 1987, (classified) or July 1, 1988, (management and academic) receive District-paid insurance premium up to age 65 once they have been employed full-time for 10 continuous years and reach age 55. Unit members hired after July 1, 2018, are eligible for retiree medical benefits when (a) they reach fifty-five (55) years of age and (b) they have served at least fifteen (15) years of continuous full-time employment with the District, or the combination of years of age and years of service equal or exceed seventy (70).     Example:  a member who wants to retire at age 57 must have served at least 13 years of full-time employment with the District, 57 + 13 = 70.  At age 65, or the age upon which Medicare becomes available, District-paid coverage ends. If the retiree has a younger spouse, that spouse will also lose coverage. The JPA offers the "80% J $30" plan to younger spouses and they may stay in the JPA by paying the monthly premium plus a 2% administrative fee. Once the retiree and spouse are eligible for Medicare, consideration should be given to the purchase of a Medigap policy.

All District retirees may self-pay to continue coverage under the District's dental and/or vision insurance programs after retirement. This election must be made at the time of retirement and there can be no break in coverage. Premium payment(s) can be made on a quarterly or annual basis. Failure to remit payments in a timely manner will result in the termination of these benefits.

When a retiree who is covered by the District-paid medical plan dies, the surviving spouse may purchase the "80% J $30" plan until age 65 or Medicare eligible if not covered by another health plan. A 2% administrative fee will be added to the monthly premium. At age 65 and/or upon Medicare eligibility, coverage through the district will no longer be available and the surviving spouse will need to enroll in Medicare A and B. Consideration should be given to the purchase of a Medigap policy.

Under the rules of Blue Cross, coverage ends on the last day of the month in which the retiree dies. However, it is District practice to pay the premium for the surviving spouse for a minimum of one additional month following the death of the retiree in order to allow adequate time for the spouse to make a decision regarding future coverage. This provision applies to all employee groups.

Medicare Plan Supplement-CompanionCare- After Age 65