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.
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.
More information can be found within the Benefits Legal and Administrative Notices.
There are no monthly premiums for the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield medical plans for retired Support Staff.