Healthcare Options - Berea College

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Healthcare Options

Understanding your options for medical, dental, and vision coverage after your career at Berea.

One of the most important parts of retirement planning is ensuring you and your family have continuous, affordable healthcare coverage Depending on your age and years of service, you generally have three pathways to choose from.

Medicare is the primary healthcare bridge for retirees aged 65 and older.

Coordination: You should begin your Medicare enrollment process roughly three months before your retirement date.
Resources: To help you choose the right supplemental plans, we provide direct access to experts:
- Ben Laugle (Anthem): 513-703-5015 | benjamin.laugle@anthem.com for Medicare Plans and Options
- Cindy Payne (Independent Agent): 800-267-1421 | ckptheagency@aol.com for Multiple Plan Options

If you are retiring before age 65, you may be eligible to remain on the College’s medical plan if you meet specific criteria.

Eligibility: You must have at least 10 years of service at Berea College.
The Cost: Retirees are responsible for 100% of the total monthly premium (which includes both the employee and the employer portions).
Life Insurance: This option also allows you to continue your group life insurance coverage.

COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) allows you to temporarily continue the exact same Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage you had as an active employee.

Timeline: You will receive a COBRA packet at your home address within two weeks of your final day. You have 60 days from your last day worked to elect this coverage.
- Confirm your address before leaving Berea to ensure you receive this.
Duration: Typically lasts for 18 months, except in cases of death or divorce, when it extends to 36 months.
The Cost: The cost is 102% of the total monthly benefits cost (including employer contribution).

For an estimate, contact the Benefits & Compensation Coordinator in Human Resources.

Contact the Benefits & Compensation Coordinator: Reach out to Human Resources for a personalized cost estimate for Retiree Healthcare or COBRA before you make your final decision.
Update Your Address: Ensure your home address is correct in NEOED so your legal insurance notices reach you on time.
Visit Social Security: If enrolling in Medicare, contact the Richmond, KY Social Security office at 866-838-8945 to start your application.
- You may sign up online via the Social Security Administration website if you choose.
- The Richmond office is located at 1060 Gibson Bay Drive, Richmond, KY 40475. Appointments are preferred over walk-ins.