Retiree Health Insurance Policy Updated

Revisions to the university's retiree health insurance policy were approved Friday by the NMU Board of Trustees. Gavin Leach (Finance and Administration) said the language was updated, but there are no changes in the university's operations related to retiree health insurance. The policy had not been updated since 1982.

The revised policy now reads as follows:

Retirees who retire under the provisions of the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS) are afforded an opportunity to participate in a group policy for retirees (presently Blue Cross-Blue Shield). The retirement system (MPSERS) presently contributes to the cost of this coverage. Arrangements for such coverage are made with MPSERS at time of retirement.

Retirees who retire under the TIAA-CREF program, and who qualify as a retiree of Northern Michigan University may participate in the group health coverage that is available to regular full-time employees of Northern Michigan University. The cost of this coverage will be paid by the retiree and will reflect the actual cost of retiree health coverage, or as established by the Board of Trustees. Arrangements for this coverage must be made with the Human Resources Department at time of retirement, and payments are to be made to Financial Services. The retiree, and dependants, if eligible, must also participate in the Medicare Program.

A spouse, upon death of the retiree, may also make arrangements to continue health coverage, dependent on the retirement program of the retiree and the rules then in effect. The surviving spouse, if eligible, must participate in the Medicare Program.