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Retiree Benefits

The County of Santa Clara provides retirement benefits to its long-term coded employees. These benefits are determined by a combination of factors, including age, length of qualified service, PERS member classification (miscellaneous or safety), and a contribution rate determined by bargaining unit agreem​ents. Additionally, for eligible employees, the County provides access to retiree group health plans.

Open Enrollment

The County's annual Open Enrollment for Retiree medical insurance runs from May 1 to May 31.  The effective date for any changes you make is July 1.
 
Retiree Guide
 
The Retiree Benefits Guide provides the information you need to make your benefit elections during this year's Open Enrollment period. Click on the image below to get started!
 
 
 
Current Retiree Medical Rates
 
Future Retirees​
 
Looking to Retire? Just want to be Prepared? 
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Check out the Retiree Benefits Overview​​ to get a high level overview of what to expect.

 
Visit sccLearn to register for a one-hour lunch-and-l​earn on an Overview of Retiree Medical Benefits.

 
If you are within one ​​year or less before retirement, check out our Retirement Checklist ​to keep you on track towards your retirement.

 

Retirement Planning Resources:

  • HR Benefits​ provides medical rate information as well as a checklist to help you through the retirement planning process. Visit sccLearn to register for a one-hour lunch-and-learn on an Overview of Retiree Medical Benefits.
  • ​Log-in to MyCalPERS to access in-person and online classes (go to Find Classes to view dates and enroll), publications and online resources to estimate for your retirement, update your beneficiaries and make an appointment to meet with a representative​. 
  • Fidelity Investments is your home for information on 457 Deferred Compensation workplace retirement savings plan​ and investments. Once you have logged into your account, you can register for Online Workshops​ (Live Web Workshops, with a presenter, or On-Demand Workshops, where you can learn on your own time, wherever you are), as well as schedule a 1:1 meeting with a Fidelity Retirement Planner.

Additional Resources:

  • Log-in to MyCalPERS to access in-person and online classes (go to Find Classes to view dates and enroll), publications and online resources to estimate for your retirement, update your beneficiaries and make an appointment to meet with a representative​. 
  • Fidelity Investments is your home for information on 457 Deferred Compensation workplace retirement savings plan​ and investments. Once you have logged into your account, you can schedule to meet with a representative, update your contributions, and register for On-Demand or Live Web Workshops​
  • ​Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides free, confidential counseling for individuals, couples, and families, in a private setting.​​
  • Employee Wellness Division (EWD) helps you with your eight dimensions of health as you plan for retirement.
  • Santa Clara County Federal Credit Union can assist you with many services, discounts, and resources, such as seminars and financial education as well as practical ideas to help you achieve financial security in retirement. 
  • sccLearn​ for web based training, videos, and books.
  • Learn how to apply for Medicare coverage.​​
  • ​​Social Security provides online services for you to review your information, apply for benefits and manage your account.
Still have more questions? Read over our F.A.Q. Section below for commonly asked questions. If your questions are not on there, please send us an email at: ​benefits@esa.sccgov.org​​ 

Retirement FAQs:​​ ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​


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What is the cost for retiree medical coverage?
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The County pays an amount equal to the Kaiser rate for the retiree only.  If the retiree belongs to a plan that has a higher premium than the Kaiser rate, the retiree pays the difference. There is a monthly premium payment for dependents regardless of age.​
I have a cost for my Retiree Medical Coverage, how do I pay it?
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Retirees who have an out-of-pocket cost for retiree medical premiums must agree to pay through deduction from their CalPERS pension. Contact the Employee Benefits Department at (408) 970-2600 or toll free at (800) 541-7749 to obtain a CalPERS Direct Authorization Program form.

Does the County provide Dental or Vision Coverage to retirees?
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No, The County does not provide dental or vision coverage to retirees. You will have the option to continue coverage through COBRA. 

The Retired Public Employees Association also offers dental and vision plans to its members. Contact R.P.E.A. at: 1 (800) 443-7732 for more information.

Liberty Dental also has a plan for County Retirees. Contact Liberty at: 1 (888) 359-1088
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What happens when I turn 65 and become eligible for Medicare?
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The County and all medical plans require that, if eligible, you enroll in Medicare Part A & B.  You should contact the Employee Benefits Department once you have received your Medicare card so that you can be enrolled in a Medicare plan.  For some medical plans, the retiree may be eligible for partial reimbursement of the Medicare Part B premium deducted from your Social Security benefits.​​​
Should I enroll in the new Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program?
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No, the County provides retirees with prescription drug coverage that is equal to or greater than the drug coverage provided under Medicare Part D.  The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services notifies the County when a retiree and/or covered spouse enrolls in Medicare Part D or is covered on Medicare Part D through another group plan.  The County will send a notice to the retiree advising them to disenroll within 30 days or risk losing their County sponsored medical coverage.​
May I change plans when I'm retired?
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Retirees may change their medical plan coverage during open enrollment every May.  All changes will be effective July 1st.​
When can I add a new dependent to my coverage?
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You may add a new eligible dependent to your retiree medical within 30 days of a qualifying event or during the annual open enrollment period in May. Examples of a qualifying event are marriage, birth or adoption or a child, loss of other medical coverage.​
What if I move out of the service area of my medical plan?
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There are options available to you should you move out of the service area of a particular plan.  If you move out of the service area of your plan, you should contact the Employee Benefits Department within 30 days to determine which option is best for your situation.​
What happens to my Retiree Medical coverage if I move out of State?
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You will have to change your Medical Coverage due to moving out of state. Please call or email us if you if you have moved, or plan to move out of state.​
What is Payment In-Lieu of Medical Coverage?
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Payment In-Lieu of Medical Coverage is an option available to Retirees who move out of the state of California. In order to qualify, you will need to reside outside of California and provide proof of other coverage. If you have Medicare A & B, your Medicare care is adequate proof of coverage. Please give us a call if you plan to switch to this program.​​

How do I contact the ESA Benefits Department?
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​Phone: 1 (408) 970-2600
             1 (800) 541-7749


Address: 400 Race Street, #201, San Jose, CA 95126
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Last updated: 1/31/2020 9:40 AM
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