Retirement Checkout Kit

Purpose

The Retirement Checkout Kit contains information about retiree benefits, privileges and forms you complete as you move into retirement. Most of the contents are for informational purposes. Only three items in the kit require you to act, depending on your age.

If You Are Younger Than Age 65

Submit the Agreement for Preauthorized Benefit Premium Payments form to the Payroll Office to set up a checking or saving account transfer to pay the monthly premium for retiree health coverage and any other benefits that have a contribution you need to pay. The form should be received by the Payroll Office no later than the 10th day of the month you retire.

If You and/or Any Covered Dependents Are Age 65 or Older

  1. Submit the Agreement for Preauthorized Benefit Premium Payments form to the Payroll Office to set up a checking or saving account transfer to pay the monthly premium for retiree health coverage and any other benefits that have a contribution you need to pay. The form should be received by the Payroll Office no later than the 10th day of the month you retire.

  2. Submit the Medicare Request for Employment Information form to the U.S. Social Security Administration to enroll in Medicare if you and/or any covered dependents are age 65 or older. Apply 3 months prior to retirement to help ensure timely processing of Medicare enrollment.

  3. Submit the Medicare Information eForm to the Shared Services Center - HR Customer Care once Medicare enrollment has occurred.

When to Request the Kit

Call the SSC - HR Customer Care at (734) 615-2000 once you have confirmed a retirement date with your department supervisor. If you are eligible for Medicare enrollment, you may request the kit up to 90 days prior to retirement. If you are not eligible for Medicare, please request the kit 30-60 days prior to retirement. You will receive the kit through the U-M Dropbox 7-10 days from the date requested. Once received, you may also request a one-on-one consultation with an SSC - HR Customer Care retirement specialist if you have additional questions.

What’s in the Kit and Your Next Steps 

Medicare Request for Employment Information – Action Required

You and/or covered dependents age 65 or older at retirement must enroll in Medicare. This form confirms your retirement date and that you have group health plan coverage through U-M. This allows you to enroll in Medicare at retirement through the Medicare Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Submit the form to the Social Security Administration as part of the Medicare enrollment process. It is recommended to apply 3 months prior to retirement to better ensure timely processing of Medicare enrollment.

Medicare Information Form – Action Required

You complete the form and submit it to the SSC - HR Customer Care once Medicare enrollment has occurred. Your retiree health care coverage will not be changed to Medicare Advantage, and you will continue to pay a higher premium until Medicare enrollment has been verified. If Medicare Part B enrollment does not occur in a timely manner, you risk losing your U-M retiree health plan coverage. A Medicare Information eForm for Medicare enrollment can also be completed online.

Agreement for Preauthorized Benefit Premium Payments – Action Required

This form authorizes a monthly transfer from a checking or savings account to pay your monthly benefit premiums for health care, dental care and other benefits coverage. Complete the form and return it to the Payroll Office. The Payroll Office should receive the form no later than the 10th day of the month you retire. Download the Agreement for Preauthorized Benefit Premium Payments form.

Retirement Summary Letter

This letter provides an overview of your retiree benefits, covered dependents and monthly premiums for health, dental and life insurance. No action is required; retain this for your reference.

Life Insurance Beneficiary Form

Submit the form if you need to update your life insurance beneficiary. No action is required; you may update your beneficiary at any time.

U-M Retirees Association Brochure

This brochure provides an overview of the privileges of joining the U-M Retirees Association. No action is required; you may join the U-M Retirees Association at any time.

Your Retirement Benefits

This booklet covers benefits and privileges you’ll have as a university retiree. This includes computer and IT privileges, parking, and access to athletic facilities and libraries. It also covers how to manage your benefits, such as when to enroll in Medicare, what happens if you waive U-M coverage, moving out of an HMO service area, and paying for retiree benefits. No action is required; retain it for your reference.

U-M Retiree ID Card Memo

This card provides information about how to exchange your U-M MCard for a retiree ID. No action is required; you apply for your U-M retiree ID card at your convenience.

Medicare FAQs

This summary answers common questions associated with Medicare and Medicare enrollment. No action is required; retain it for your reference.

ESR Coverage Flyer

This flyer explains how returning to work as a rehired retiree may affect your health coverage if you become eligible under Employer Shared Responsibility (ESR) coverage. No action is required; retain it for your reference.

Rx Credible Coverage Notice

This document explains your U-M prescription drug coverage and why you do not need to enroll in Medicare Part D. No action is required; retain it for your reference.

Questions

Call the Shared Services Center (SSC) - HR Customer Care at (734) 615-2000 locally or (866) 647-7657, toll-free, Monday - Friday from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-5 p.m. if you have questions.