MMC Benefits Handbook
Enrolling/Terminating Retiree Medical Plan Coverage
What are the available Retiree Medical Plan options?
If eligible, you can elect retiree medical coverage. If you elect this coverage, retiree medical coverage is considered an alternative to continuing Company medical coverage through COBRA.
You can elect any of the medical plan options that are available to active employees in the state in which you reside regardless of whether you were enrolled in active employee medical coverage.
When you or a covered family member reach age 65 or are covered by Medicare, those Medicare eligible family members are no longer eligible for coverage under the pre-65 retiree medical plans.
How do I enroll in retiree medical coverage?
In order to initiate your retiree medical coverage election, you must call HR Services at least 30 calendar days prior to your Retiree Medical Coverage Participation Date. Contact HR Services at +1 866 374 2662, any business day, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, to make your election. The requirement to contact HR Services at least 30 calendar days prior to your Retiree Medical Coverage Participation Date will be waived if you elect to participate in retiree medical coverage within 60 calendar days following your termination from the Company.
If you are eligible to participate in retiree medical coverage and you elect to participate, your Retiree Medical Coverage Participation Date will be reflected as the 1st of the month following your termination date, or if you defer your election and elect coverage at a later date, the 1st of any month when you later elect to participate, but no later than the 1st of any month prior to the month you attain age 65 (retiree medical coverage participation dates always are on the 1st of a month).
If you defer your retiree medical coverage participation election date beyond 60 calendar days of your termination date, you can elect to participate at a later date (no later than the 1st of any month prior to the month you attain age 65).
Your retiree medical coverage will take effect the 1st of the month following the earlier of your Retiree Medical Coverage Participation Date or the 1st of any month prior to the month you attain age 65. If you do not contact HR Services at least 30 calendar days prior to your participation date, your coverage will begin the 1st of the next month following notification.
When should I contact HR Services to elect my retiree medical coverage?
To elect retiree medical coverage, you must contact HR Services at +1 866 374 2662, any business day, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, at least 30 calendar days prior to your Retiree Medical Coverage Participation Date. The requirement to contact HR Services at least 30 calendar days prior to your Retiree Medical Coverage Participation Date will be waived if you elect to participate in retiree medical coverage within 60 calendar days of your termination from the Company.
For example:
  • If you terminate on June 30th, you can contact HR Services on August 15th to elect Retiree Medical Coverage effective July 1st. This election is valid since it is within 60 calendar days of the loss of your active medical coverage.
  • If you terminate on June 30th, you cannot contact HR Services on September 15th to elect Retiree Medical Coverage effective July 1st. This election is beyond the 60 calendar days.
Can I enroll my spouse in a Company retiree medical plan coverage option upon termination of COBRA coverage?
Yes, if you choose to elect COBRA for your spouse at retirement, once COBRA coverage is exhausted, you can enroll your spouse in any applicable Company retiree medical plan option within 30 calendar days of the event provided you met eligibility requirements upon termination of employment. Termination of COBRA is considered a HIPAA qualifying event.
If I elect COBRA for my spouse, can my spouse elect retiree medical if I die during my retiree medical deferral period?
No. If your spouse is not covered under your retiree medical (COBRA coverage is not retiree medical coverage) at the time of your death, your spouse will not have the option to elect retiree medical coverage.
If I participate in retiree medical coverage or defer retiree medical coverage and then die, can my spouse elect retiree medical coverage?
No. If your spouse is not covered under your retiree medical at the time of your death, your spouse will not have the option to elect retiree medical coverage.
Can I terminate my retiree medical coverage?
Yes, you can terminate your retiree medical coverage at any time by calling HR Services at +1 866 374 2662, any business day, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time. Alternatively, you can send a letter requesting the discontinuance of your retiree medical coverage to:
HR Services
P.O. Box 622
Des Moines, IA 50306-0622
Whether you terminate coverage via the phone or in writing, you must submit a termination of coverage request 30 calendar days prior to your coverage end date (always the last day of a month).
Retiree medical coverage cannot be terminated on a retroactive basis, nor can paid premiums be refunded. Also remember, terminated retiree medical coverage cannot be reinstated. You have a one-time opportunity to elect retiree medical coverage.
Can I elect COBRA coverage if I terminate my Retiree Medical Plan coverage?
No. Your request to discontinue your Retiree Medical Plan coverage is not considered a qualifying event. COBRA coverage is not an available option following your termination of Retiree Medical Plan coverage.