SERP Retiree Benefits
understanding serp incentive and your benefits
If you intend to apply or have applied for SERP, your existing coverage for you and any covered dependents will terminate on September 1, 2021.
Please see information below for next steps of continuation of benefits.
Congratulations on your early retirement!
What to expect next? Once the Benefits Department has received a comprehensive list of employees who are retiring this summer, you will receive a letter from our department requesting that you reach out to us to schedule a one-on-one Benefits Appointment to complete your transfer to retiree benefits.
Virtual One-on-One appointments will tentatively begin in June 2021, offered 2 to 3 times a week, in 30 minutes intervals and will continue through August.
*We are not scheduling appointments at this time. Please wait for the letter from our Department to schedule an appointment. *
Please review the information below to explore your options.
GENERAL RETIREE INFORMATION
The district pays the full or partial medical premium of the retired employee medical benefit based on classification and/or years of service.
The retired employee may choose to continue coverage or terminate coverage for eligible dependents. If health coverage is continued for any dependents, the retired employee is responsible for paying the medical and/or dental premium
Medical coverage is available to retired employees for 10 years up to the age of 65, whichever comes first
Medical coverage terminates at age 65, the 1st day of the month of your 65th birthday
Medical premiums are due quarterly if paying directly to RUSD or monthly installments can be set up if the deduction is made from your STRS/PERS retirement check
Dental coverage is available for retired employees and eligible dependents and can be carried for as long as dental coverage is needed, regardless of age.
Dental premiums are paid in full by the retiree (no District contribution) and due annually on January 1st or monthly installments can be set up if the deduction is made from your STRS/PERS retirement check
Changes can be made to elected Retiree Benefit plans during the annual Open Enrollment Period in October/November for a January 1st effective date. Rate changes with updated health plan information and enrollment dates with location information is mailed to the retiree address on file each year. It is important that Retirees maintain an accurate mailing address and contact phone number with the District Office to ensure you receive your documentation in a timely manner.
IMPORTANT:
ALL Retirees and Spouse of a retired employee over the age of 65 MUST provide proof of Part A and Part B to qualify and enroll in RUSD Group health plans
MEDICARE AND YOUR HEALTH NEEDS
Medicare is a federal health insurance program that covers millions of Americans. This basic health insurance provision is part of Social Security. Once you turn 65, or if you are younger and already receiving Social Security, you are eligible to automatically receive Medicare Part A hospital coverage. You may also receive Medicare at any age if you suffer permanent kidney failure, also referred to as end-stage renal disease (ESRD). To be eligible for Medicare, you must be a legal U.S. citizen and a resident for 5 years.
If you are an "active" employee and over the age of 65, you are NOT required to enroll in Part B. If you are a retired employee, planning to retire, or spouse of a retired employee and are 65 or older you must provide proof of Part A AND Part B to qualify and enroll in RUSD Group health plans.
Retired employees age 65 or older may continue medical coverage through RUSD group health plans by enrolling in Kaiser Senior Advantage or one of the RUSD group Health Plans. Please contact your assigned Employee Benefits Assistant for more information.
Medicare Eligibility and Initial Enrollment Period
If you’re eligible at age 65, your initial enrollment period begins three months before your 65th birthday, includes the month you turn age 65, and ends three months after that birthday. However, if you don’t enroll in Medicare Part B during your initial enrollment period, you have another chance each year to sign up during a “general enrollment period” from January 1 through March 31. Your coverage begins on July 1 of the year you enroll. Read our Medicare publication for more information.
How to apply for Medicare in California
To qualify for Medicare, you must be either a United States citizen or a legal permanent resident of at least five continuous years.
You apply for Medicare in California the same as any state: through the Social Security Administration in person, on the phone, or online.
Visit the Social Security website.
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, 7AM to 7PM.
SERP RETIREE COST
Certificated employees with 15 years of service will receive PAID medical benefits for employee ONLY coverage for 10 years or up to the age of 65, whichever comes first.
Classified employees with a minimum of 15 years of service will receive an annual entitlement to help cover medical premium costs for employee ONLY coverage for 10 years or up to the age of 65, whichever comes first. The annual entitlement is divided into monthly payments and deducted from the total monthly cost of the medical health plan. To determine your monthly cost, deduct the "monthly entitlement" from the "monthly" cost listed below under Classified Retiree Rates
Years of Service Annual Entitlement Monthly Entitlement
15 years $2,146 $178.83
16 years $2,331 $194.25
17 years $2,516 $209.67
18 years $2,701 $225.08
19 years $2,886 $240.50
20 years $3,071 $255.92
25+ years PAID PAID
RETIREE RATE INFORMATION
Please contact your Employee Benefits Assistant for clarification or additional questions or concerns.