Retirement Q & A

   with Valerie Boddie 
Kaiser Sr. Benefits Consultant/Operations Manager
Regional Benefits - NCAL & Benefits Admin - HRSC

 

Q: What are the retirement benefits for Guild members? (e.g., equivalent to Senior Advantage? Copays? Caps?) 

A: The post-retirement Health Care plans are Kaiser Foundation Health Plan (Flex Benefits High Plan-Senior Advantage - Employer Paid) and the PPO (If the cost of PPO plan exceeds the cost of the KFHP, the retiree will bear the cost difference). 
(Please refer to the 2004 Benefits by Design booklet for Plan details, page 12 for Kaiser Health Plan and page 18 for the PPO plan details.)

 

Q: Is there any coverage for spouses or partners? 

A: Yes, coverage is available for eligible dependents (spouse,domestic partner and dependent children)

 

Q: What are the requirements beyond 15 years of service? (e.g., Do you have to maintain Kaiser prior age 65?) 

A: If you have meet the post-retirement eligibility requirements and retire before age 65, you will not be required to maintain a Kaiser plan prior to age 65.

 

Q: Any duration limits? 

A: The coverage is for the lifetime of the Retiree and the Spouse/Domestic Partner

 

Q: Are benefits ever available to retirees prior to age 65?

A: The post-retirement benefits are effective upon becoming eligible for and participate in Medicare Parts A and B.

 

Q: Can benefits be lost, either by action or inaction? 

A: Upon becoming eligible for Medicare Parts A & B it is the Retiree's responsibility to notify the HRSC Retirement Unit so that the coverage may be set-up. Delay in notifying the HRSC will cause a delay in receiving the benefits. If the employee does not assign their Medicare to Kaiser, the benefits will be terminated.