Retiree and COBRA Information

Multiple resources are available to help with benefit decisions:

• HR Shared Services: Available 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 315.443.4042. Appointments are available on request.
• Excellus BCBS (medical and dental plan inquiries): Contact 800.493.0318 (TTY: 800.662.1220), Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• VSP (vision plan inquiries): Contact 800.877.7195 (TTY: 800.428.4833)
• Lifetime Benefit Solutions (billing): Contact  800.493.0318 (TTY: 800.662.1220), Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• TIAA (retirement planning): Schedule a consultation with a University-dedicated financial consultant at 855.842.CUSE (TTY: 800.842.2755) or sign up online.
• Visit the benefit notifications page to review important legal notices. These are for your reference only—no action required. 

Choose from three comprehensive health plans with national and international medical coverage through Excellus BCBS and prescription drug benefits through Optum Rx (for COBRA and pre-65 retirees).  All three plans cover the same services – only your share of costs differs. Full coverage details can be found on the health plan information webpage.

Retirees: Visit the health benefits for retirees webpage for information about coverage rules and coordination with Medicare.

Important Reminders:

• SUOrange has no out-of-network coverage. You’ll pay the full cost for any out-of-network services. If your current provider may leave the Excellus BCBS network in 2026, consider enrolling in SUBlue or SUPro for out-of-network access, or find other in-network providers at the Excellus BCBS website.
• Prescription drug formulary updates. Optum Rx regularly reviews and updates its formulary for safety and proper medication use. You’ll receive notification if changes affect your prescriptions.
• Syracuse University’s health plans meet Affordable Care Act requirements. You may also explore Health Insurance Marketplace options, which offer income-based subsidies, or coverage through a spouse or domestic partner.
  • Marketplace Information:
    • Federal: 800.318.2596

• • • New York State: 855.355.5777

• • • HealthCare.gov

Two dental plans offered (for those who are eligible):

• Preventive Plan: Covers two annual cleanings and other basic services.
• Comprehensive Plan: Covers basic and major restorative services, including oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics and orthodontics.

Both plans include in-network and out-of-network providers. Using in-network providers maximizes your benefits.

The VSP vision plan covers routine eye exams, contact lens care, glasses and frames.

Full coverage details are available on the dental and vision webpage.

If you are enrolled in the SEBF dental/vision plan under COBRA, you may maintain or change your SEBF coverage. Contact SEBF at 855.835.9720 with any questions regarding the coverage options and contributions. SEBF dental and dental with optical COBRA rates are valid from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.

Health Plan: 

View the full list of benefit rates for post-2006 retirees [PDF], which includes contributions for SUBlue, SUOrange, and SUPro plans. If you retired before Jan. 1, 2006 and you have exhausted your five-year period, you pay the non-subsidized rates which are included in the first line of the chart.

Opt Out/Opt In Provision: You can waive retiree health coverage and opt back in later if you maintain continuous coverage or are Medicare-eligible. Visit these online resources for eligibility rules or contact HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042 with questions.

Dental and Vision: View the rates for COBRA continuation of dental and vision coverage online.

Billing Questions: Contact Lifetime Benefit Solutions at 800.493.0318 (TTY: 800.662.1220)

View the rates for COBRA continuation coverage online.

Contact Lifetime Benefit Solutions at 800.493.0318 (TTY: 800.662.1220) with any billing questions.