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Retiree Benefits Overview

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Becoming a Stanford Retiree has its advantages. You and your family qualify for medical and dental coverage, with a university contribution based on when you met the age and service requirements for retirement.

Whether you are intent to retire soon, or are already retired, explore how Stanford can help you continue your healthy habits and plan for the future.

Retiree Medical Plans

As a retiree, your medical plan options depend on your Medicare eligibility. If you are non-Medicare eligible (under age 65), you may choose from the same plans as active employees. If you are Medicare-eligible, you choose between two types of Medicare-compatible plans. 

Medicare Advantage Plans

These plans work the same as your active employee HMO; you select a primary care physician (PCP) from your plan's network of doctors to coordinate all of your care. 

 

Medicare Supplement Plans

With these plans, Medicare is the primary medical plan. You can go to any provider; however, you will have lower costs if you use a provider who accepts Medicare assignment. 

Retiree Dental & Vision Plans

You must be enrolled in a retiree health plan to enroll in retiree dental or vision.

Additional Benefits

Young man holding piggy bank

Tuition Grant Program

TGP helps eligible retirees pay for the cost of undergraduate college education for their eligible children.

View Tuition Grant Program

Your Health Benefits in Retirement

When will I be eligible to retire with benefits?

Your hire date, age, and years of benefits-eligible service to Stanford will determine when you become eligible for retiree health care benefits. 

Request a retirement calculation

What will Stanford pay toward my benefits?

Stanford’s contribution to your medical plan depends on the plan and the level of coverage you need, as well as when you qualified to retire.

Review retiree contribution rates

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How do I choose the right medical plan for my family?

Your Medicare eligibility, how you want to pay for services, and your home ZIP code in retirement will likey influence your decision. 

Compare retiree medical plans

Do I have to enroll in benefits right away?

You have three options: Start coverage at retirement, postpone coverage until a later date, or permanently waive your right to our retiree health care plans. 

Review retiree health care options

What do I need to do if I'm approaching age 65 and still plan to work?

If you don't plan to retire right now, you do not need to enroll in Medicare. You and your dependents under age 65 remain eligible for Stanford's active employee (non-Medicare) plans. Stanford Benefits will send a letter as you or your dependent approaches age 65 with more details. 

Learn more about changing your benefits

Take Steps Toward Retirement