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. Due to recent events, that seminar has become a webinar series touching on various topics within a handful of presentations each Spring. 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) 281-2908 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
2023 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
| Date: Tuesday, May 9, 4:00 p.m. Seasoned professionals in the retirement industry will discuss investment strategies, and estate planning. Whether retirement is years or decades away, a smart strategy begins now! Light refreshments will be served. You are welcome to bring a guest. Sign up here! |
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Social Security 101 Virtual Workshop
Date: Wednesday, May 17, 1:00 p.m. Kirk Larson has over 30 years’ experience in Social Security Administration, including published articles and media appearances discussing Social Security topics. Prior to attending the workshop, go to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount to create a my Social Security account and print out your Social Security statement. |
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Get Ready to Retire Webinar
Date: Tuesday, May 23, 1:00 p.m. Join Transamerica Consultant Ronee Dakin for an informational webinar to learn about strategies for transitioning into retirement and the questions you should be asking now to prepare. Topics include investments, healthcare, legacy planning and more. |
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Transamerica Individual Appointments
Dates: Tuesday, May 23 - Thursday, May 25, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Our Transamerica Consultant Ronee Dakin is back on campus for the first time since COVID. Seize this opportunity to discuss your personal retirement investment strategy or to get your plan started. Sign up here! |
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Medicare Individual Appointments
| Date: Wednesday, May 31, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Location: Human Resources Conference Room
Dan McCarley, an experienced Medicare Health Plan Broker with Advocate Insurance Group, will be available on campus for individual appointments, to help you navigate Medicare planning and enrollment. Sign up here! |
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On Demand Webinars
| Webinar | Presenter | Date | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Get Ready to Retire | Ronee Dakin, Transamerica | 5-23-2023 | Click to View |
| Get Ready to Retire | Ronee Dakin, Transamerica | 5-9-2022 | Click to View |
| Retirement Case Studies | Matt Alvis, SPU HR | 5-10-2022 | Click to View |
| Medicare and Social Security | Matt Alvis, SPU HR | 5-11-2021 | Click to View |
| Transitioning From SPU's Benefit Plans | Matt Alvis, SPU HR | 5-9-2021 | Click to View |
| Get Ready to Retire | Ronee Dakin, Transamerica | 5-7-2021 | Click to View |
| Emeriti Health Plans | Lauren Hach-Wilson, Aetna | 6-12-2020 | Click to View |
| Planning For A Smooth Transition | Matt Alvis, SPU HR | 6-8-2020 | Click to View |