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 medical plan provided, at the time of your termination of State employment, you are:

Eligible to receive a monthly retirement benefit from either the Missouri State Employees’ Retirement System OR from the Public School Retirement System based on State service

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 State 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. I am currently enrolled in a medical plan where I work. What happens when I retire?

A. At the time of your retirement, you are required to change to a plan that is available where you live.

Q. My spouse is an active State employee. When I retire, can I enroll under his/her plan?

A. YES. You may transfer your coverage under his/her Social Security number when you retire. If, at a later date, it is more financially advantageous for you to be covered separately, you may transfer your coverage back to your Social Security number (provided both are eligible for coverage through MCHCP.) You just need to remember that you must maintain continous coverage under MCHCP.

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.
• They have had other health insurance for the six months immediately prior to the termination of your State employment - proof of insurance including effective dates of coverage and termination date is required.
• 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?

As a retiree, you can add dependent coverage if your dependent’s employer sponsored group coverage has ended due to termination of employment or termination of group coverage by the employer. This must be done within 60 days of the loss and you must provide proof that coverage was in effect for at least 12 months immediately prior to the loss.

Q. If I choose not to add my spouse at the time of retirement, because they have coverage through their employer sponsored plan, can my spouse enroll in the case of my death?

A. No. Your spouse cannot enroll at that time. The death of a retiree is not a qualifying event for the spouse to enroll.

Q. If my spouse has coverage through an employer sponsored pension or retirement plan and loses that coverage, can I enroll them at the time of the loss?

A. No. The law only applies to active employees covered under an employer sponsored plan which ends due to termination of employment or the employer no longer offers health insurance coverage.

Q. Does the law concerning dependent coverage also apply to dependent children?

A. Yes. It applies to dependent children who have lost coverage due to termination of employment or the employer no longer offers health insurance coverage.

Q. I am already retired and currently have coverage on my spouse who is still employed. If I cancel coverage on my spouse, can I enroll him/her in my coverage at a later date?

A. Yes. You can terminate coverage on your spouse through MCHCP. When your spouse's employment ends, or if the employer no longer offers health insurance coverage to employees, you can enroll your spouse at that time.

Q. Will I have the same medical benefits after I retire?

A. YES, retirees have the same benefits as active employees.

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. Do I need to take Medicare Part B when I retire?

A. YES, if you want to maximize your benefits.

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

A. You may continue your dental and/or vision insurance for yourself and eligible dependents throughout your retirement; however, if you terminate dental and/or vision coverage, you cannot enroll at a later date.