Limited Health Care Bridge

The Limited Health Care Bridge provides a mechanism through which the University may contribute to the cost of health insurance to assist unclassified employees wanting to retire before qualifying for Medicare coverage.

What is it?

The program provides for payment of both the employee and employer medical, dental and vision insurance premiums for a negotiable length of time up to the date the employee becomes eligible for Medicare, but no longer than three years. The direct bill (retiree) premiums will be based on the coverage level (Employee Only, Employee and Spouse, etc.) the employee is enrolled in at the time of retirement or has requested and is eligible for, whichever is lesser, will be used to determine a gross amount that will be paid by the University directly to the retiree. This payment is subject to payroll taxes. This payment is not identified as compensation for services rendered and, therefore, will not be subject to KBOR or KPERS mandatory retirement plan contributions and is not eligible to be included in voluntary retirement plan deferrals.

Who is Eligible?

Faculty and unclassified staff who are eligible for retirement with a minimum of ten years of full-time service and who are at least 55 years old will be eligible to propose retirement with limited health care bridge participation. Participants in the Phased Retirement Program or any other State of Kansas or University retirement incentive program are not eligible to participate in the Limited Retirement Health Care Bridge Program.

Participation in the Limited Retirement Health Care Bridge Program is a privilege, not a right, and is voluntary for both the employee and the University. This program is used only when it is in the best interest of the University and the employee.

How Do I Apply?

An employee who wants to participate in the program must submit a written request to retire and to participate in this program to the department/unit head or academic dean.

Who Approves the Request?

If the department/unit head supports the request, the department will complete the Limited Health Care Bridge Transmittal Form and submit it to the dean. If the dean supports approval, they will then forward it to Human Resources – Benefits for processing and to be routed for final approval by the provost or appropriate vice president.

Who pays for this program?

The department pays for the program. Therefore, approval of the Limited Health Care Bridge Agreement is often determined by the available funding.

Additional Questions?

Contact Benefits or call (785) 532-6277.