As a retired employee, you are a valued member of the University community. Although you are no longer an active employee, the University continues to support you in retirement with advocacy and access to health coverage.
Learn more about the health benefits available to you as a University of Minnesota retiree with the Retiree Benefits Annual Enrollment Guide (pdf).
Medical Plans for Retirees Under Age 65
If you are under age 65 and not Medicare-eligible due to a disability, you are eligible to participate in the same medical plans offered to active employees.
Some of the medical plan option availability varies by geographic location or zone. For those plans, you can select based either on where you live or worked. So, for example, if you live in Greater Minnesota but worked in the Duluth area, you can choose a plan in either zone. However, to choose the ACO Plan, you must live in one of the counties in their service area.
Medical Plan Rates for Retirees Under 65
As a retiree, you pay the full cost of your medical benefits. Your monthly rates will depend on the plan and coverage level you choose. View the medical plan rates for retirees (Google Sheet).
Wellbeing Program for Retirees Under 65
You are eligible to participate in the University's Wellbeing Program, which offers incentives to participate in a wide variety of options to earn points. If you earned the required number of Wellbeing Points for a $500 or $750 reduction, your cost is shown in the Wellbeing Program Rates column. If you did not participate in or earn the required number of Wellbeing Points, your cost is shown in the Standard Rates column.
Please note that once you turn 65, you will lose your Wellbeing Program rate eligibility. Your spouse can still receive the Wellbeing Program rate if they are under 65.
Medical Coverage for Medicare-Eligible Retirees and Spouses
If you are eligible for Medicare due to age or disability, you can enroll in a plan through the University’s partnership with Via Benefits. Call Via Benefits at 1‑833-858-4544 or visit my.viabenefits.com/UofM to schedule an appointment with an advisor who specializes in Medicare.
Specialized Support with Via Benefits
You are not required to enroll in coverage with our partner. However, by working with Via Benefits, you have access to benefit plan advisors who will help you shop for and enroll in health insurance, including Medicare Advantage and supplement plans (known as Medigap).
These advisors specialize in Medicare and can help you navigate the complexities of how private insurance and Medicare work together. They are unbiased and earn a salary that is not commission-based. They can meet with you one-on-one to help you evaluate and select the best plan for your needs. For example, if you currently see a provider at the Mayo Clinic, representatives will take that criteria into account when making plan recommendations.
Beyond initial plan selection, the advisors provide lifetime advocacy, helping you with claims questions through the entire span of your coverage. You can call and speak with representatives or log in to the user-friendly online portal for assistance any time.
Medical Plan Rates for Medicare-Eligible Retirees
As a retired University of Minnesota employee, you pay the full cost of your medical benefits. Your monthly premium will depend on the plan you choose.
Wellbeing Programs for Medicare-Eligible Retirees
You are eligible to participate in any wellbeing programs that are offered by your medical plan. Contact your medical plan provider for more information.
OHR Contact Center
Ask benefit questions by emailing [email protected], or calling 612-624-8647 or 1-800-756-2363, and choosing Option 1.