Retiree Insurance

The University of Arkansas acknowledges the important contributions made by long-term employees. In recognition of their service, the university provides eligible retirees with access to insurance continuation.

If you are an eligible retiree, you may keep three of your insurance plans:

You can pick and choose from the three retiree plans; for example, you can choose medical without dental or vision.

If you currently work full-time, the university pays approximately 80% of your medical premium and 50% of your dental premium. As a retiree, you pay 100% of the retiree insurance premium. Retiree insurance premium rates are subject to change and may be different when you retire.

To enroll in a retiree insurance plan, as soon as your retirement date is set, preferably three months before you retire, contact HR at 479-575-5351 to meet with a benefits counselor.

Enrollment in Medicare Parts A and B is mandatory for retirees and retiree spouses who participate in the University of Arkansas United Healthcare Medicare Advantage Plan (PPO). Retirees should contact the Social Security Administration three months prior to their 65th birthdays to initiate their enrollment in Medicare Parts A and B.

For more information, see the Medicare & Your UA Medical Benefits and Medicare Part D Creditable Coverage Letter.

Medicare Counseling

The Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) is a division of the Arkansas Insurance Department and provides free one-on-one counseling, education and information to individuals of all ages about Medicare. SHIIP assists with applications for Medicare subsidy programs like Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help, recruits and trains a volunteer network throughout the state to provide in-person information, assistance and presentations, as well as helps at community events and health fairs. Call 800-224-6330 or 501-371-2782 for additional information.

Enrollment in Medicare Parts A and B is mandatory for retirees and retiree spouses who participate in the University of Arkansas United Healthcare Medicare Advantage Plan (PPO). Retirees should contact the Social Security Administration three months prior to their 65th birthdays to initiate their enrollment in Medicare Parts A and B.

For more information, see the Medicare & Your UA Medical Benefits and Medicare Part D Creditable Coverage Letter.

Medicare Counseling

Contact the Social Security Administration for information about your Social Security income. The Social Security Administration Retirement Estimator provides an income estimate (not a guarantee) based on your actual Social Security earnings record.

Three to six months before you retire, schedule an appointment with a Fidelity or TIAA representative to discuss your retirement benefits options. If you are an APERS member, contact APERS at 800-682-7377.

Eligibility Rule

The definition of a "retiree" for insurance purposes is someone, who at the time they leave the university's employment, has:

  • 10-70-10 Rule - Has been employed by the University of Arkansas for 10 consecutive years in a benefits-eligible position, has a combination of age and continuous years of service totaling 70 and has participated in the applicable insurance plan for 10 consecutive years, all immediately prior to retirement.
  • 5-65-5 Rule (For eligible employees who retire 1/1/2017 and after) - Has been employed by the University of Arkansas for 5 consecutive years in a benefits-eligible position, is age 65 or older at the time of retirement, and has participated in the applicable insurance plan for 5 continuous years, all immediately prior to retirement.

Example of the 10-70-10 rule: if you are age 48, have worked for the University of Arkansas for 25 years, and have been covered under the benefits plans for at least 10 years, you are eligible for retiree insurance.

Example of the 5-65-5 rule: if you are age 65, have worked for the University of Arkansas for 5 years, and have been covered under the applicable benefits plans for at least 5 years, you are eligible for retiree insurance.

Retirement does not have to be the reason for terminating employment. If you do not meet the retiree criteria, you can still be eligible to continue some of your benefits. See the individual insurance pages for eligibility and guidelines.