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If you are a qualified surviving spouse / domestic partner, you may continue your existing health coverage. You may also qualify for a health insurance subsidy for the single-party health premium coverage level.
At age 65, you are required to enroll in Medicare to the fullest extent of your entitlement to continue participation in the Health Subsidy Program. Members who become eligible for Medicare before turning age 65 must contact the Department.
Dependents other than a qualified surviving spouse / domestic partner are not entitled to a health subsidy.
| Who is eligible? |
If you are currently receiving a qualified surviving spouse / domestic partner pension, you qualify for a health insurance subsidy if you meet the following requirements:
- You must be enrolled in a City-approved health plan. One offered by:
- Your member must have had at least 10 years of service.
- Your member must have been receiving or been eligible to receive a health insurance subsidy at the time of his or her death, or you will become eligible when your sworn member spouse/domestic partner would have been 55 years old.
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| What is the subsidy amount? |
Your subsidy amount depends on whether you are enrolled in Medicare:
- If you are not enrolled in Medicare or are enrolled in only Medicare Part B:
- Your subsidy is based on the deceased member’s years of service,
- You are entitled to 4% per year of service (maximum of 25 years) of the single party cost of your health plan, and
- Your subsidy amount cannot exceed the current maximum of $562.36.
- If you are enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B: you are entitled to a percentage of the single-party cost of the plan you are enrolled in (up to the civilian Medicare Premium, currently $440.09). Your premium is based on your spouse/domestic partner’s years of service. If your spouse/domestic partner had:
- 10 to 14 years of service, you will receive a 75% subsidy,
- 15 to 19 years of service, you will receive a 90% subsidy, or
- 20 or more years of service, you will receive a 100% subsidy.
If your health premium is greater than the available subsidy, the Department will provide only your subsidy amount and you will need to pay the remainder. If the premium is less than the subsidy, the Department will only provide up to the amount of the premium. |
| How do I enroll? |
It is not necessary to apply for this benefit. Any eligible retiree or qualified surviving spouse/domestic partner enrolled in a City-approved health plan will automatically receive this benefit. |
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