Retiree Health Care

If you are eligible and interested in enrolling in a retiree medical plan, this is done through the Seattle Department of Human Resources (SDHR) Benefits Unit.

  • SDHR Benefits Unit requires that enrollment happen thirty (30) days before your last paid work day.
  • SCERS will provide an SDHR Benefits Unit packet of enrollment information at your retirement appointment, but it is your responsibility to contact the SDHR Benefits Unit soon enough to meet their deadlines.
  • If you or your spouse are sixty-five (65) or older, you must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and B before enrolling in a retiree medical plan.

Please see the FAQs for more information.  To make any changes to your coverage or to cancel your medical or dental coverage, please contact the SDHR Benefits Unit.

Suggested timelines:

3 Months - 1 Year Before your Retirement Date

 At least 60-90 Days Before your Retirement Date At least 30 days Before your Retirement Date    OR At least 60 Days of Receiving COBRA Notification

Consider attending Health Plan Options for Retiring Employees seminar.   

Register online through Cornerstone.  

Schedule an appointment with a Retirement Specialist by calling (206) 386-1293.  Your appointment must be at least 30 days before your retirement date.  

Enroll in Medicare Parts A and B on www.socialsecurity.gov if you or your spouse/domestic partner are age 65 or more before or when you retire.  You must provide a copy of your Medicare card in order to enroll on a City-sponsored plan.  

Notify your department's benefits representative of your retirement date.

Consider your COBRA and retiree health plan options.  

Submit completed forms in your health plan information packet (which is provided at your retirement appointment) and premium payments to SDHR Benefits Unit which administers the retiree health plans.

   Submit your COBRA election form if you decide to continue active health plan coverage upon retirement.

Questions?  Contact SDHR Benefits Unit at:

Phone:     (206) 615-1340

Link to SDHR Retiree Medical Website

Email:      benefits.unit@seattle.gov

Mail:       City of Seattle - SDHR, Benefits Unit              

              PO Box 34028              

              Seattle, WA  98124-4028

Drop-off: Seattle Municipal Tower, 700 Fifth Avenue, 54th Floor