Benefits

Retiree Medical Plan

Eligibility 

The Retiree Medical Plan is available to University employees who were either:

  • Employed prior to January 1, 2005, in a continuous benefits-eligible position and are at least age 55 when employment terminates, or
  • Employed on or after January 1, 2005, are at least age 55 and have completed at least 10 years of continuous benefits-eligible service when employment terminates.
Enroll or Postpone Coverage

Eligible employees must either enroll or postpone enrollment in the Retiree Medical Plan within 31 days of the termination date or retirement date (whichever occurs first).

Enrollment 

To enroll in The University of Chicago Retiree Medical Plan complete the Retiree Medical Plan Enrollment Form found under Related Documents within 31 days of your retirement or termination date (whichever comes first).  Return the completed form via email to retiree@uchicago.edu or fax to 773.834.0996.

If you or your eligible dependent are Medicare-eligible a copy of the Medicare Part A and Part B card must be submitted along with the enrollment form.

Postponement 

If eligible to enroll in the University of Chicago Retiree Medical Plan at a later date please request the Retiree Medical Plan Postponement Form within 31 days of your retirement or termination date (whichever comes first) from the Benefits Office. Return the completed form via email to retiree@uchicago.edu or fax to 773.834.0996.

Coverage Details 

Coverage varies, depending on Medicare eligibility:

If you are eligible for Medicare and your covered dependent is not eligible for Medicare (or vice versa), you will need to review both types of coverage and associated costs since they both will apply.

Medicare-eligible individuals must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B and not enrolled in Medicare Part D, to be enrolled in the Retiree Medical Plan.

Qualifying Life Event

A qualifying life event refers to a change in your personal circumstances. Whether you are celebrating a new marriage or new baby, or suffer the unfortunate loss of a family member. Changes in your personal life may have an impact on your benefits. If you have a qualifying life event, you must submit your changes within 31 days of the event date

Changes, including enrollment into the plan, must be indicated on the Retiree Medical Plan Enrollment Form under Related Documents. Return the completed form and supporting documentation via email to retiree@uchicago.edu or fax to 773.834.0996. The Enrollment Form must be returned to the Benefits Office within 31 days of the event date.

Note: New enrollments will be processed if a Postponement Form was submitted within 31 days of the retirement or termination date (whichever comes first). 

Termination of Enrollment 

To cancel medical and prescription drug coverage in The University of Chicago Retiree Medical Plan please complete the Retiree Medical Plan Cancelation Form found under Related Documents and return via email to retiree@uchicago.edu or fax to 773.834.0996. 

Cancellations cannot be made more than 30 days retroactively. Once enrollment in the Retiree Medical Plan is canceled you cannot re-enroll in the plan.