Frequently Asked Questions
Retirement

Q. Am I eligible to participate in an MCHCP medical plan when I retire?

A. You may participate in an MCHCP plan as long as your Public Entity stays with MCHCP. If your entity discontinues coverage through MCHCP, you are no longer eligible to participate.

You may participate in an MCHCP medical plan provided, at the time of your termination of employment, you are:

• eligible to receive a retirement benefit from your employer sponsored retirement plan, OR meet the retirement qualifications of your Public Entity.

AND you have met one of the following requirements:

• you have had coverage through MCHCP since the effective date of the last Open Enrollment period; OR
• you have had other health insurance for the six months immediately prior to your termination of employment - proof of insurance including effective dates of coverage and termination date is required; OR
• you have had coverage since you were first eligible.

Q. Am I eligible to continue medical coverage on my dependents when I retire?

A. If you participate in an MCHCP plan, your dependents may also participate if they meet one of the following requirements:

• they have had coverage through MCHCP since the effective date of the last Open Enrollment period; OR
• they have had other health insurance for the six months immediately prior to your termination of employment - proof of insurance including effective dates of coverage and termination date is required; OR
• they have had coverage since they were first eligible.

Q. May I add my spouse or dependents after retirement?

A. You can enroll a new spouse or dependents within 31 days of marriage, birth, or adoption, but you cannot add existing dependents.

Q. May I add my spouse or dependents after retirement if they experience a loss of coverage?

A. As a retiree, you can add dependent coverage if your dependent’s employer sponsored group coverage has ended due to termination of employment or the employer no longer offers group coverage to employees. This must be done within 60 days of the loss and you must provide proof that the coverage was in effect for at least 12 months immediately prior to the loss.

Q. What happens if I decide not to keep the medical insurance through MCHCP after retirement?

A. You are not allowed to enroll at a later date.

Q. Am I eligible to continue my dental or vision coverage when I retire?

A. If you and/or your dependents are enrolled in the dental or vision plan at the time of retirement, you may elect to continue coverage as long as your Public Entity participates with MCHCP.