Health Benefits for Retirement Prior to Jan. 1, 2006

If you retired prior to Jan. 1, 2006, the following rules apply. If you retire(d) on or after Jan. 1, 2006, please review Health Benefits for Retirement On or After Jan. 1, 2006.

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Eligibility for Medical Coverage

To be eligible for coverage under the Syracuse University Retiree Medical Benefits Plan that is described below, you must have retired prior to Jan. 1, 2006, satisfied certain transition group requirements, and complied with certain other eligibility requirements. Coverage for retirees and their qualified dependents is described below.

Coverage Prior to Attaining Age 65

  • Two medical plan options were offered to eligible retirees: SUBlue or SUOrange. The costs for the coverage are based on the plan selected.
  • Prescription drug coverage administered by Optum Rx will be available to eligible retirees and their qualified dependents under the Syracuse University Retiree Prescription Drug plan.
  • Contributions required for eligible retirees are generally the same as those paid by eligible active employees (subject to modifications as may be announced from time to time by the University’s Office of Human Resources).

Coverage After Attaining Age 65 and Through the End of the Five-Year Period

  • Coverage is available to an eligible retiree and their qualified dependents through the end of the five-year period that commences on the date the eligible retiree becomes eligible for Medicare OR the date the eligible retiree retires from the University, whichever is later.
  • Medicare Part A and Part B become the primary medical coverage sources upon attaining age 65. The costs for Medicare coverages are paid by the eligible retiree. Supplemental medical-only coverage is offered to an eligible retiree and their qualified dependents through the SUBlue or SUOrange programs.
  • Prescription drug coverage administered by Optum Rx will be available to eligible retirees and their qualified dependents under the Retiree Prescription Drug plan through the end of the five-year period.
  • The University pays 100 percent of the premium costs after age 65 and through the end of the five-year period, if the eligibility requirements are met.

Extended Retiree Medical After Expiration of the Five-Year Period

  • Medicare Part A and Part B continue to be an eligible retiree’s primary medical coverage sources, paid by the eligible retiree. Supplemental medical-only coverage can be continued through the SUBlue or SUOrange options.
  • Prescription drug coverage is available through Medicare Part D to those who satisfy the applicable eligibility requirements. Costs for this coverage are paid directly by the covered retiree.
  • There is no University subsidy for the extended retiree medical coverage under the Retiree Medical Plan after expiration of the five-year period.

The Health Plans and the Marketplace

All retiree health plans meet the requirements of the Affordable Care Act. However, given the variety of health insurance options available through the Marketplace of private insurers and the subsidies available, you may want to consider whether private insurance is a good option for you and your dependents. More information on the Marketplace is available by phone at 800.318.2596 (Federal) and 855.355.5777 (New York State), and online at healthcare.gov (Federal) or nystateofhealth.ny.gov (New York State). You should also compare the coverage and cost of these plans with those available to you through a spouse or domestic partner.

Should you have questions, please contact HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042.

Helpful Links

The benefits listed above apply as indicated to retired and emeritus faculty and retired staff members of Syracuse University. All benefits programs are subject to change. If any discrepancies exist between program-related communications and the Plan Document, the terms and conditions detailed in the Plan Document will control.