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Guide to Retirement

Plan now for Retirement

If you’re like most of us, you probably believe that retirement planning is something that you start thinking about when the end of your career is in sight. Nothing could be further from the truth. The secret to a successful retirement is getting started early: it’s never too early to start planning and saving for your retirement. 

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3. At Retirement

H. Service Retirement FAQs

What if my spouse is still employed, and I want to go on their insurance?

That’s okay, as long as your spouse is on a group plan through their employer. You need to be enrolled in a group plan to join the trust’s Plan B (if eligible) or Medicare Supplemental plan later when your spouse separates from their employer.

Note that you can only enroll in the City of Seattle healthcare plans at specific times, including the following:

  • When you retire before age 65 and are not choosing COBRA coverage.
  • When your COBRA coverage ends.
  • When you have a “qualifying event,” typically the loss of your group coverage provided by your spouse.

The City of Seattle healthcare plans remain an option as long as there is no gap in your healthcare coverage and you maintain qualified group coverage. Contact the City of Seattle Benefits Unit at least 30 days before any planned coverage change to learn about enrolling in their healthcare plans. You can email the Benefits Unit at benefits.unit@seattle.gov.

What if I don’t want to use a plan supplied by the Trust or the City of Seattle?

You can choose whatever option you want (your spouse’s plan, a veteran’s plan, or a plan from the open market), but be sure to choose a group plan. This keeps you eligible for the excellent SFFHCT Medicare Supplemental Plan and Part D Prescription plan via the Trust once you turn 65.