If you meet the minimum eligibility requirements above, you must actively enroll in your retiree medical and dental benefits for continuation of coverage. Enrollment is not automatic.
To complete the enrollment process you will need to elect your medical and dental plans through Your Benefit Resources. You will receive written instruction detailing your required action after you retire. You may also contact Your Benefit Resources on-line or by phone for more information or to enroll.
Your active benefits will extend through the end of the month following your retirement. For example, if you retire on March 6 your medical and dental coverage as an active employee will not end until April 30. Your retiree medical plan would commence without interruption on May 1, if you choose to enroll.
Note: After your retirement has been processed by your Group and Human Resources at LANL, your retiree medical eligibility and relevant information will be transmitted to Your Benefit Resources on the next scheduled data file. Timing may vary, but your information should be updated within 30 days of your retirement, well before your active coverage would end.
If you experience any life events or changes in status as a retiree, you must report these changes to Your Benefit Resources within 31 days. Examples include, but are not limited to:
A life event or change in status may allow you to change your medical and dental plans, or level of coverage. You also will be able to make changes during the annual Open Enrollment period, typically held in the Fall.
Upon reaching age 65, you must either report attainment of Medicare Eligibility, or declare that you are not eligible for Medicare benefits. Enrolling in Medicare Part B is required by the plan rules, if you are eligible, and coverage may be suspended until appropriate notice is provided.
If a retiree passes away while covered under LANL retiree medical and dental benefits, the surviving spouse may continue coverage for his/her lifetime. Remarriage at a later date will not disqualify the survivor from the plans, but he/she cannot add a new spouse to the plans.