Current Retiree - Support Staff Medical Benefits
For Support Staff members, Columbia University offers retiree medical and prescription drug coverage through Anthem BlueCross BlueShield (formerly Empire).
Medical Plans
The primary medical plan option is Medicare. You become eligible for Medicare when you turn age 65.* The basic Medicare plan covers hospitalization (Part A) and physicians appointments and other outpatient needs (Part B).
*You do not have to enroll in Medicare until you no longer have active coverage through Columbia University.
COVID-19 Update
Completing and submitting Medicare Part A and B at this time:
To ensure we can timely process your request, please complete the CMS-L564 as follows:
- Complete Section A and Section B of the form; and
- Normally your employer would complete Section B; however CMS has waived this requirement during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Normally your employer would complete Section B; however CMS has waived this requirement during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Submit proof of employment, Group Health Plan (GHP), or Large Group Health Plan (LGHP).
Although our offices are closed to the public for in-person service, we are still processing requests received by mail. You can find the address to your local office using our Social Security Office Locator.
You can also call your local office with questions. You can find the phone number for your local office under "Additional Office Information."
Medicare Part D helps pay for prescription drugs. You can enroll in Part D coverage if the Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) or Medigap insurance you choose on the private insurance market does not include prescription drug coverage.
There are no monthly premiums for the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield medical plans for retired Support Staff.