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Eligibility Requirements - In order to qualify for the
retiree benefits an employee must have fifteen (15) years of continuous
service with the Archdiocese, and be between the ages of 55 and
65. The benefits are for the retiree and their qualified dependents.
The retiree and his/her dependents must be enrolled on the Archdiocese's
health plan at the date of retirement. Eligibility in this
plan will cease upon Medicare eligibility of the retiree.
Upon Medicare eligibility of the retiree, the dependents only (if
not eligible for Medicare) will be offered continuation of coverage.
If a dependent becomes eligible for Medicate before the retiree,
the benefits will cease upon eligibility for the dependent, but
will still be available for the retiree if not yet eligible.
Only dependents at the time of the retirement are allowed to participate.
No future dependents can be added no matter the circumstances.
If an employee meets those requirements, he or she may participate
in the retiree plan. Any pre-existing condition restrictions
(if applicable) by the health carrier would apply.
Effective Date of Benefits - if the retiree meets the basic
requirements, the effective date of retiree benefits will be the
first date of the month following date of retirement.
Eligibility Notification - It is the retiree's responsibility
to communicate to the employer site, their intent to apply for retiree
benefits. The retiree will be required to submit to the employer
site (last employed) in writing the retirees intent to elect retiree
benefits. The retiree will also be required to fill out the
proper paperwork required to submit to the health carrier in order
for the health carrier to receive the required forms within 30 days
of the retiree date. Any forms submitted after this time will
forfeit the retiree's rights to benefits.
Duration of Eligibility - Eligibility for retiree health
benefits lasts until Medicate eligibility for the retiree.
If the retiree has dependents then continuation will be available
under the requirements of continuation. (See Continuation
of Coverage Policy) The Archdiocese reserves the right to
alter or amend the retiree benefits. The benefits could also
be terminated at the discretion of the Archdiocese if retiree benefits
significantly impact benefits for the active employees.
Work after Retirement - Should a retiree re-qualify for
eligibility in the Archdiocese's active health plan on the basis
of hours worked after the date of retirement, the retiree will be
transferred to the active health plan for full benefits on the first
date of the subsequent eligibility period. When the retiree
is considered no longer an active employee, the retiree will be
immediately returned to the retiree health plan until Medicare eligible.
Surviving Dependents of Retirees - any surviving dependents
of retirees will be offered continuation of coverage for a maximum
duration of 12 months as specified under the provisions of continuation
of coverage.
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