Healthcare Assistance

Answers to Your Questions About Retirement

Q	Is assistance provided by the Retirement Plan on health care expenses? (X 45 18)
A	Participants who have at least 15 years of service credit in the Church Plan, their eligible spouses and dependent children, may be granted assistance on healthcare expenses. A separate policy and plan govern this assistance. As of January 1, 2002, the Plan reserves the right to convert the benefit to an enhanced benefit rather than actual coverage. As of January 1, 2003, health care assistance will NOT be provided for new retirees with less than 40 years of qualifying service credit until they meet the age qualification for Medicare.
Q	Does eligibility for Social Security affect retirement benefits?
A	No, with one exception, see below. If a retiree is ineligible for Social Security benefits such as monthly benefits or healthcare assistance, the Plan does not replace the benefits. Neither does the plan reduce benefits for those who are eligible for Social Security benefits.
Q	Does the Plan assist a retiree in paying for Medicare Part B premiums?
A	Yes. The Retirement Plan reimburses the participant and eligible spouse (see Joint & Survivor) for a portion of the regular Medicare Part B premium if the participant has 15 or more years of service credit in the Church Plan. A copy of the Medicare Health Insurance card must be submitted to the Retirement Office in order for the reimbursement to be included with the monthly benefits. As with most healthcare reimbursements, the Plan will only make reimbursements retroactive for up to one year. A retiree who cannot become eligible for Social Security benefits should purchase both Medicare A and B Insurance, although part A premiums will not be reimbursed. Participants who do not enroll for this coverage are eligible for assistance only on health care expenses that would not have been covered by Medicare.
Q	From which organization does the participant receive his/her health care benefits? (X 45 18)
A	From Adventist Risk Management, P.O. Box 4088, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, Maryland 20914. The Healthcare Line is 1 800 447 5002. Hours are 9-5 Monday through Thursday and 9-12 Noon on Friday, EST.