Eligibility

As a retiree, when you reach age 65 your coverage under the UnitedHealthcare (UHC) medical and MetLife or Delta dental plans ends and you are eligible to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan and dental and vision coverage through Via Benefits. If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA), it will remain in effect for you to use for your eligible medical expenses.

Spouse and Dependent Coverage

Your spouse and dependents can be covered under the ORNL plans ONLY if you, the retiree, are enrolled in either a UnitedHealthcare (UHC) medical plan, or a Medicare Supplement plan through Via Benefits with prescription drug coverage through the ORNL Rx Plan.

Your younger spouse and dependents may continue coverage under the MetLife or Delta dental plans until your spouse reaches age 65. Your younger spouse and eligible dependents may continue coverage under the UnitedHealthcare (UHC) medical plan as long as you, the retiree, enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan through Via Benefits with prescription drug coverage through the ORNL Rx Plan. When your spouse reaches age 65, UnitedHealthcare (UHC) medical and MetLife or Delta dental coverage ends and your spouse may enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan and dental and vision coverage through Via Benefits. Any eligible dependents may continue coverage through COBRA.

Steps to take as you approach age 65

Retiree coverage at age 65

  • Enroll in Medicare Part A & Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period.
  • You will receive information from Via Benefits and ORNL Benefits approximately three months before you reach age 65 to begin the enrollment process and establish your HRA.
  • Enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan through Via Benefits and establish your HRA.  You may also enroll in a dental and/or vision plan through Via Benefits.
  • Complete and return the ORNL enrollment form, along with a copy of your Medicare Part A & Part B card to enroll in the ORNL Rx plan.
  • Your Medicare supplement plan and Rx drug plan will be effective the first of the month you reach age 65.

Spouse coverage at age 65

  • Enroll in Medicare Part A & Part B during the Initial Enrollment Period.
  • If retiree is under age 65, spouse will remain on UnitedHealthcare (UHC) plan. Medicare Part A & Part B will become the primary payer and UnitedHealthcare (UHC) will be secondary.
  • When the retiree reaches age 65, an over age 65 spouse will also be eligible to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan through Via Benefits with prescription drug coverage through the ORNL Rx plan.
  • Your spouse will receive information from Via Benefits and ORNL Benefits to begin the enrollment process.
  • Once your spouse completes the enrollment process for medical and Rx, benefit dollars will be added to your HRA account for your spouse.

Note for retirees and spouses: If your birthday is on the first of a month you actually become eligible for Medicare the first of the month prior. Ex: March 1 birthday, Medicare eligible on February 1, loss of coverage under the ORNL sponsored-group health plan at the end of January. Otherwise, you are eligible for Medicare on the first day of the month of your 65th birthday.

Learn more about: