Retired From UNI
A Defined Benefit Retirement Plan
UNI Retiree Benefits
In 2020 the University of Northern Iowa added an alternative Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Group Program F medical plan for retirees. If you do NOT want to make any changes to your current plans, no action is needed. These new plans are an alternative to your current comprehensive health plan and you are not required to enroll.
Health Insurance
Quick Comparison of Plans for Retirees
January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025
Premiums, plan design, and plan options are subject to change annually on January 1.
| UNI Comprehensive Health Insurance Plans ★ | Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Group Program F ★★ | |
---|---|---|---|
UNI PPO (Alliance Select) | UNI Blue Advantage (HMO) | ||
Who is eligible? | Retirees at any age | Retirees at any age | Medicare eligible retirees |
Type of Plan | Comprehensive | Comprehensive | Medicare medical supplemental |
Coverage/Network | Nationwide | Iowa only | Nationwide |
Deductible | $400 Single | $250 Single | $0 Single |
Monthly Premiums | |||
Single, Not Medicare Eligible | 2024: $952 | 2024: $907 | Not available |
Retiree & Spouse, Not Medicare Eligible | 2024: $2,182 | 2024: $1,976 | Not available |
Retiree & Spouse (1 Medicare Eligible, 1 Not Medicare Eligible) | 2024: $2,182 | 2024: $1,976 | Not available |
Family | 2024: $2,182 | 2024: $1,976 | Not available |
Single Medicare Eligible | 2024: $952 | 2024: $907 | 2024: $231.90 |
Retiree & Spouse Medicare Eligible | 2024: $2,182 | 2024: $1,976 | 2024: $231.90 each ($463.80 total) |
Prescriptions | Included in plan and premium | Included in plan and premium | 2024: $178.00 per person, additional cost |
★ UNI sets the premiums based on claims costs. Effective January 1, 2024 for the UNI comprehensive health insurance plans, retiree and spouse Medicare eligible individuals will have the same premiums as a family plan.
★★ Wellmark sets the premiums. The benefit design of Group Program F is identical to an individual Medicare Supplement Plan F.
2024 UNI Retiree Presentation
Frequently Asked Questions
Ending UNI Retiree Comprehensive Health Insurance
- You may end coverage at any time by completing the Health and Dental Form to waive coverage.
- Coverage will end the last day of the month during the month you are ending coverage. New coverage will need to begin the 1st of the next month.
- Once you end coverage you may not reenroll into the UNI plans at a later date.
- If you end coverage, coverage on spouses and dependents will end at the same time.
Making Changes to Your Plans
UNI Retirees may change their plans as well as add/remove qualified family members due to any life event or open enrollment which happens each fall. Examples of life events may be:
- retiree becomes Medicare-eligible
- spouse gains coverage
- spouse loses coverage
- marriage
- divorce
- death
Health Insurance Resources
- Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Group Program F Overview
- Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Group Program F Enrollment Form
- Group Prescription Drug Plan Overview
- Group Prescription Drug Plan Enrollment Form
- Group Prescription Drug Plan online EFT Form
- Group Prescription Drug Plan printable EFT Form
- Wellmark Account Withdrawal Authorization
- Wellmark's Privacy Policy
- 2024 UNI Retiree Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan Comparison
- NEW 2025 UNI Retiree Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan Comparison
- UNI Retiree Comprehensive Health and Dental Enrollment Form
- Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP)
Your Insurance Plan Contacts in Retirement
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- HMO & PPO: 1-800-381-0214
- Program F: 1-800-245-6106
- PDP: 1-800-838-3827
Dental Insurance
UNI Sponsored Dental Insurance Options
UNI retirees may be enrolled in one of two UNI sponsored dental plans:
- UNI Dental Plan 1 (Grandfathered plan, no new enrollments accepted)
- UNI Dental Plan 2
UNI Sponsored Dental Insurance:
- Automatic withdrawal is available for monthly premiums.
- A list of participating providers may be found at deltadentalia.com. You may also ask providers whether they have a participating agreement with Delta Dental, or contact Delta Dental at (800) 544-0718 to inquire about the status of specific providers.
- Retirees enrolled in Delta Dental of Iowa are automatically eligible for the vision discount program through DeltaVision at no extra cost.
- This benefit booklet describes your rights and responsibilities under your group dental plan.
- This benefit booklet provides a simplified Summary of Benefits offered by the plan.
Individual Dental Insurance
Many insurance companies offer individual insurance plans for retirees. You may:
- Contact a local insurance agent for plan recommendations.
- Ask your dental provider who they recommend for a plan.
Ending UNI Sponsored Retiree Dental Insurance
- You may end coverage at any time by completing the Health and Dental Form to waive coverage.
- Coverage will end the last day of the month during the month you are ending coverage. New coverage will need to begin the 1st of the next month.
- Once you end coverage you may not reenroll into the UNI plans at a later date.
- If you end coverage, coverage on spouses and dependents will end at the same time.
Making Changes to Your Plans
UNI Retirees may change their plans as well as add/remove qualified family members due to any life event or open enrollment which happens each fall. Examples of life events may be:
- spouse gains coverage
- spouse loses coverage
- marriage
- divorce
- death
Emeritus Status
Administrators, Faculty and P&S Employees
Emeritus applications are completed on paper after you have retired from UNI. To obtain a Emeritus application please call Human Resources at 319-273-2423.
- Administrators, Faculty and P&S employees who have 20 or more years of creditable service in higher education may apply for Emeritus Status.
- Faculty must have at least 10 years of meritorious service with UNI.
For more information, view the Emeritus Policy and if interested, contact Human Resources at 319-273-2423 or via email at hrs-benefits@uni.edu.
Retirement Plans
UNI Sponsored Retirement Resources
800-842-2252
800-622-3849
Retirement Tax Law
Consult with your tax advisor regarding regulatory changes to retirement plan savings and distributions. Iowa House File 2317 provides tax relief for certain retirement incomes as well as other income tax bracket adjustments. Now is a great time to meet with your financial advisor, or an IPERS or TIAA consultant, to see how the changes may impact your income and savings plans. An online request for tax guidance is also available through the Iowa Department of Revenue.
Wherever conflicts occur between the contents of this site and the contracts, rules, regulations, or laws governing the administration of the various programs, the terms set forth in the various program contracts, rules, regulations, or laws shall prevail. Space does not permit listing all limitations and exclusions that apply to each plan. Before using your benefits, review the plan's coverage manual. Benefits provided can be changed at any time without the consent of participants.