Get Trust Coverage in Retirement

By Scott Culver
Communications Specialist
WEA Trust

May 2001

Retirement conjures up images of carefree days, long vacations, and extra time with the grandchildren. But public school employees nearing retirement must contemplate a variety of issues before they can enjoy life after school. One consideration is health insurance.

Your retirement picture depends in part on your current health insurer. If you are covered by a Trust health plan and your district maintains Trust coverage, you don’t have to leave the plan when you retire.

Unlike some other employer-based health plans, the Trust allows its health plan members to continue coverage even after they retire (after age 55) or become eligible for Medicare. In fact, they can retain their group coverage with the Trust as long as they continue to pay premiums and the district keeps the Trust as its insurer.

If you’re not covered by a Trust health plan, check with your school district to find out how long you can continue your health coverage when you retire. By law, employers must offer retiring employees the right to continue health insurance coverage for at least 18 months.

Whether you are covered by a Trust health plan or another group plan, you may have a cost-saving alternative.

School district retirees should know about WEA-MedPlus – a Trust health plan designed specifically for Medicare-eligible retirees.

WEA-MedPlus is a good option for people who want to lower their monthly premium, maintain prescription drug coverage, and keep their health coverage with the Trust. With WEA-MedPlus, you select your prescription drug copayment – the higher the copayment you choose, the lower your monthly premium.

To be eligible for WEA-MedPlus, you must be:

• 65 or older and retired from all active employment.
  
• Enrolled in both Medicare Parts A and B.
  
• Currently covered under an employer-sponsored health plan.
  
• Have no dependent children for whom you want coverage.
  In addition, if you are not currently covered by a Trust group insurance plan, you must also be:
  
• 65, but not yet 66.
  
• A member of WEAC-Retired.
  

The cost for WEA-MedPlus depends, in part, on where you live. If you move to a different location, your premium may change depending on the cost of medical care in that area. Premium rates are adjusted each year on January 1.

Please keep in mind that once you leave your group plan (to enroll in WEA-MedPlus or any other plan), you will not be able to rejoin your group plan. That’s why it is critical to compare plans and weigh your options carefully.

Your spouse may be covered if he or she meets the requirements. To learn more about the WEA-MedPlus, call the Trust at 800-279-4000.