Because of the complexity of health plans, the University has, for many years, hosted an annual seminar to help employees begin to think about retirement and understand where and how to pursue needed information.  Please see the resources below and view the presentations, if helpful.

Benefit plans offered through the University generally extend through the end of the last month of employment in which the employee meets eligibility requirements for benefits. And so, the first of the month following retirement is usually the date most retiring employees need to plan on obtaining other coverage for. In most cases, this opens a 30 day window for entry into another group plan you may be eligible for (such as through a spouse's employer-based plan), joining Medicare coverage through a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you are eligible for Medicare, or individual/family plans through the Washington State health insurance exchange. If you need help procuring other coverage, please contact Human Resources at (206) 281-2809 for information.

Helpful Links

• Medicare: www.medicare.gov
• Social Security Administration: www.ssa.gov
• SSA Office Locator: SSA Office Locator Online Tool
• Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services: www.cms.gov
• Medicare Primer (Congressional Research Service): Medicare Primer
• How to Get the Most Out of Medicare (Consumer Reports): How to Get the Most out of Medicare
• Free Medicare Counseling: Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) | WA Office of the Insurance Commissioner

2024 Retirement Readiness Events

Human Resources is hosting a series of informative events designed to get you ready for retirement. Whether retirement is a distant dream or just around the corner, these events are designed for you!

Retirement Ready Seminar

Transamerica Individual Appointments

Medicare Individual Appointments

On Demand Webinars