Via Benefits

Columbia University offers retirees a way to access medical and prescription drug coverage for Medicare-eligible Officer retirees and their Medicare-eligible spouses.

We partner with Via Benefits, the nation’s oldest and largest private Medicare marketplace, to offer participants a wide selection of health care plans including lower cost options with coverage comparable to the current retiree medical UnitedHealthcare plans. Participants work directly with an experienced benefit advisor to provide personalized, unbiased support.

In addition, Columbia offers a tax-free Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) if you enroll in a medical plan through Via Benefits.

In 2026, Columbia University will be increasing the HRA amount to $2,100 for an individual retiree and $1,050 for their covered spouse. 

If you retire from January 1, 2026 – June 30, 2026, you will receive $2,100 as an individual employee and $1,050 for a covered spouse. If you retire from July 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026, you will receive $1,050 as an individual employee and $525 for a covered spouse. 

Learn more about Via Benefits.