Under the Early Retiree Program, the Trust provides medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits to eligible retirees between the ages of 60 and 65 or 62 and 65 and their eligible dependents, and currently charges no monthly premium. 

To be eligible for the benefits under the Early Retiree Plan, the retiree must meet the eligibility requirements of the age 62 to 65 Plan, or the age 60 to 65 Plan.

See Extended Self-Pay Rights for Retirees Not Yet Eligible for the Early Retiree Plan. 

If you don’t meet the eligibility requirements of the Early Retiree Plan, the Trust offers coverage by self-payment if the retiree meets the eligibility requirements of Retired Plan A, Retired Plan B, or Retired Plan C. See The Four Sets of Retired Plan Programs or the Medicare Retiree Plan from the link in the navigation menu above. The eligible retiree and/or eligible dependent may choose coverage for medical and prescription benefits only or include dental and vision benefits.

Once you and/or your spouse reach age 65 or otherwise become enrolled in Medicare, you will be offered a Medicare Supplement or Medicare HMO Plan through the Trust. See the Medicare Retiree Plan from the link in the navigation menu above.

In one limited situation, the Retired Trust Plan will continue benefits to your spouse without self-payments after your death. If you die while enrolled in the Early Retiree Plan and your spouse is between the ages of 62 and 65 (if you were enrolled in the age 62 to 65 plan) or is between the ages of 60 and 65 (if you were enrolled in the age 60 to 65 plan), coverage will continue until the last day of the month in which either of the following events occur:

1. Your spouse reaches age 65; or

2. Your spouse is under age 65, eligible for Medicare because of disability and does not remain continuously covered by Medicare Parts A and B, whichever comes first.

In the event coverage under Retired Plan A, B, C ends for a retiree because of death, your spouse is under age 65 or your children still qualify as dependents, coverage will continue to be provided for your spouse or children as follows:

1. For your spouse, until he/she reaches age 65 or becomes eligible for Medicare, whichever occurs first, as long as self-payments are made in a timely manner.

2. For your dependent child, until he/she ceases to be a dependent under the Retired Trust Plan, as long as self-payments are made in a timely manner.

In the event your coverage under the Medicare Supplement/Medicare HMO Plan ends for a retiree because of death, your dependents can continue on the Medicare Supplement/Medicare HMO Plan.

If you are under 65 and not yet eligible for Medicare, review the eligibility requirements for Retired Plan A, B, C or the Early Retiree Plan. Once you have made a determination of the plan you believe you are eligible for, you may request or print the 2018 Plan ABC Enrollment Form or the Early Retiree Plan Application. 60 days prior to the date of retirement complete and submit the application to the Plan Administrator.

If you are turning 65 or otherwise becoming eligible for Medicare, contact the Plan Administrator 90 days prior to becoming eligible for Medicare and enrollment packets and information for plans available in your area will be sent to you. The completed application for the plan of your choice must be submitted 60 days prior to retirement.