Benefits Into Retirement
- Separate and retire within 120 days
- Receive a monthly retirement allowance
- Be eligible for health benefits at separation
- Must have retired from the State, California State University (CSU), or an agency that currently contracts with CalPERS for health benefits for their specific bargaining unit
If you separate from employment, without retiring, health coverage will be terminated the first of the second month following the date of separation.
As you transition from active to retiree benefit coverage, review the CSU Retiree Booklet (PDF) for more helpful information about benefits into retirement.
CalPERS is the health plan administrator once you have transitioned into retirement. Retirement is considered a permitting event and therefore, are eligible to change your health plan within 60 days of retirement or during Open Enrollment. Review the CalPERS Health Plans & Rates (PDF) if you decide to change your health plan. Health premiums are deducted from your retirement check.
For more information regarding health plans and coverage, contact CalPERS at 888-225-7377 or visit CalPERS – Retirees.
Medicare:
If retiring at age 65 and older, you and your spouse (if applicable) will be required to enroll in Medicare Part A & B to continue health insurance into retirement. Medicare Part B will become the primary health plan and your current health plan will transition to a Supplement to Medicare.
For more information on Medicare, review the Medicare Enrollment Guide (PDF).
CalPERS maintains and processes the dental benefit enrollments and/or changes for all retirees. Retirees have the option to continue the Enhanced Level II plan at a monthly premium cost or change to the Basic plan at no monthly cost (CSU pays 100% of the monthly cost) for retirees and their eligible dependents.
The Basic plan coverage is 75% coverage for all services and the Enhanced plan is an 80% coverage with preventative care at no cost. To compare dental plans and rates, visit CSU Retiree Booklet.
When you complete the Retirement Notice to Benefits, you will indicate which dental plan you want to continue or change to. Cal Poly Benefits Services sends the retiree dental enrollment information to CalPERS on your behalf.
The dental plan name will be listed on your My CalPERS account upon enrollment with CalPERS. You can check your enrollment by logging in to MyCalPERS.
Vision does not automatically continue into retirement. The Vision Service Plan (VSP) is a voluntary plan which is fully paid by the retiree. A retiree can enroll themselves and their eligible dependents in either the Basic or Premier Plan. To compare the vision plans, review Retiree Vision Comparison Chart (PDF).
To enroll, a retiree must complete the VSP Retiree Vision Enrollment Form (PDF) within 60 days of the retirement date and send directly to VSP. Once enrolled, the premiums will be deducted from your retirement check.
For more information, visit VSP or contact VSP at 800-400-4569.
There is a new process for Emeritus Status being put into place by the President’s Office. You will be contacted by mail with more information on how to sign up for Emeritus Status. You can read more about the privileges at Emeritus Awards.
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