Retiree Benefits

Medical Plans

Elmira College Retiree Insurance Plan

Retiring soon? Elmira College retirees who meet specified eligibility guidelines are eligible for enrollment in their own medical plan carved out just for them that works with Medicare. Eligibility criteria are:

• Have worked at Elmira College for at least 15 consecutive years
• Are at least 65 years in age
• Is of retired status
• Are enrolled in the active group plan at retirement

Group Medical Insurance: Retirees with 15 consecutive years or more of service upon retirement are eligible to continue medical coverage at the Medicare rate (if they are 65 years of age). Upon retirement, Medicare A and B becomes primary coverage and the College's coverage becomes secondary which results in a lower monthly premium. If a retiree has not yet reached 65 years of age, medical coverage is available to employees and dependents at the COBRA rate. Both options require the retiree and/or dependents be covered by the College's medical plan at the time of retirement. COBRA rates can be obtained from the Office of Human Resources.

Group Dental and Vision Insurances: Retirees with 15 consecutive years of service or more upon retirement are eligible to continue dental and vision coverage for themselves and dependents at the COBRA rate. Both options require the retiree and/or dependents be covered by the College's dental plan at the time of retirement. COBRA rates can be obtained from the Office of Human Resources.

Age 65 or higher? Don't forget to apply for Social Security and Medicare Part A!

Medicare

Elmira College Retiree Insurance Plan not for you? Search alternative Medicare Supplement plans at http://www.medicare.gov/.

When do I sign up for Medicare?

You should sign up for Medicare three months before reaching age 65, even if you are not ready to start receiving retirement benefits. You can opt out of receiving cash retirement benefits now once you are in the online application. Then you can apply online for retirement benefits later.

For more information, click here.

How do I sign up for Medicare?

• If you are at least 64 years and 9 months old, you can sign up online at http://secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/rib. There are no forms to sign and usually, no documentation is required. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will process your application and contact you if they need more information.
  
  Once you have signed up online, you have access to many options, such as:
• Check your application status
• Request a replacement Medicare card
• Manage your Medicare benefits

For further questions, contact the Social Security Office.

What do I sign up for?

When you apply for Medicare, you can sign up for Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). Because you must pay a premium for Part B coverage, you can turn it down. However, if you decide to enroll in Part B later on, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Part B coverage. Your monthly premium will go up 10 percent for each 12-month period you were eligible for Part B, but didn't sign up for it, unless you qualify for a "Special Enrollment Period".

For more information, click here.

What happens after I apply?

• Once your application is received, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will do the following:
• Review your application and contact you if they need more information or if they need to see your documents
• Process your application once they have all of the necessary information and documents
• Mail you a decision letter
• Upon approval, you will also be sent a "Welcome to Medicare" packet in the mail with your Medicare card, and the most current Medicare & You handbook.

Life Insurance

Group Term Life Insurance and AD&D Coverage: Retirees are eligible to transfer the amount of Group Term Life and AD&D Insurance along with any optional coverage that was purchased at an individual rate calculated by Sun Life Financial. Note that the benefit payment is reduced at age 70. To obtain rates, please call Sun Life Financial at 1 (800) 247-6875.

Emeritus Status

Retiring faculty may be eligible for Emeritus status, pending approval from the Provost. This rank may be assigned to tenured Associate Professors or Professors who have limited or terminated their responsibilities as a faculty member for valid reasons (e.g., retirement, illness) after a substantial number of years of distinguished service to the College. An Emerita or Emeritus is appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Provost in consultation with the appropriate Division Chair. Final approval is given by the Board of Trustees.

Tuition Waiver & Tuition Exchange

Retirees with 15 years of service or more upon retirement are eligible for Tuition Waiver up to a maximum of four academic years for themselves and eligible dependents. The benefit calculation will include any portion of the benefit previously used. Qualified employee dependents (see Tuition Exchange in the Employee Handbook) are eligible for Tuition Exchange up to a maximum of four academic years. The benefit calculation will include any portion of the benefit previously used.

TIAA: Financial Planning

For those who are ready for retirement and need assistance with financial planning, TIAA offers stories of inspiration and valuable insights and resources, on topics from money to health to lifestyle, to help you live smart in retirement. Visit http://www.tiaa.org, read the article Living In Retirement, or call 1 (800) 842-2252 to schedule time to talk about your retirement options with TIAA.