Pre-65 Retirement Health Care Benefits

What are my health care coverage options if I retire before I turn 65?

You can continue with your current medical and prescription drug coverage under the Aetna medical plans, and your current dental coverage under the Delta dental plan.

How do I make payment for my health care premiums?

Payments are collected by HealthEquity|WageWorks, the billing vendor for Argonne pre-65 retirees. You will receive an invoice following your retirement and will be able to establish a payment method (online, ACH deduction, check).

You can change your payment option at any time by contacting HealthEquity|WageWorks at (877) 722-2667.

If I retired before age 65, what happens when I turn 65?

You will receive an education package from Alight Retiree Health Solutions with complete information about obtaining individual health care coverage through the Alight private retiree health exchange. The private retiree health exchange will offer options to enroll in Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans and Medicare Advantage Plans. Some of these plans also include options for dental, vision and hearing coverage. 

You’ll also have helpful one-on-one resources that will be available to you free of charge through Alight. One-on-one assistance will be provided by a dedicated Alight benefits advisor. Please see below for more questions and answers regarding post-65 retiree health care coverage.

Post-65 Retirement Health Care Benefits

Medicare-eligible retirees aged 65 or older and their Medicare-eligible dependents age 65 or older will purchase individual health insurance (i.e., medical, prescription drug and dental) through the private retiree health exchange managed by Alight Retiree Health Solutions. Argonne will provide a contribution toward the purchase of health insurance through a retiree health reimbursement account (HRA). 

What’s the difference between group and individual health coverage?

A group health plan is generally offered through an employer or association. Everyone covered under that plan has something in common (e.g., employment, former employment, membership, etc.), and the eligible population is usually limited based on the size of the company or group. Plan choices are usually selected by an employer or association and tend to be limited. However, anyone can purchase a health plan in the individual market, either directly through an exchange or through an insurance agent.

As a retiree, you may have several types of plans available to you, depending on where you live. And because health insurers in the individual market generally cover many more individuals than most group health plans do, they can offer more competitive pricing to you.

Although I have been eligible to enroll in Argonne’s group retiree medical plan, I have deferred participating up until now. Am I required to enroll in the Alight private retiree health exchange?

If you are Medicare-eligible and over age 65, you have the choice of enrolling in the Alight private retiree health exchange now or you may defer participation until a time of your choosing.

If you are under age 65 and meet the eligibility requirements for Argonne retiree medical insurance, you continue to have the choice of enrolling in the Argonne group pre-65 retiree medical plan or deferring enrollment until a time of your choosing.

Aren’t Medicare Parts A and B enough without supplemental coverage?

As you may know, under Medicare Parts A and B alone, there’s no cap on your out-of-pocket medical expenses. In addition, Medicare Parts A and B do not cover retail or mail order prescription drugs. Supplemental health insurance limits your annual liability, assuring continued coverage, if you have significant health care needs. We strongly recommend that you find an individual health plan to supplement your Medicare benefits.

What types of coverage are available to supplement my Medicare benefits?

Generally, there are two options: Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans and Medicare Advantage Plans. More information about these types of plans will be included in the education package you receive from Alight. Your benefits advisor will help you decide which type of plan is right for you and for your Medicare eligible dependents.

Will there be comprehensive Medicare Advantage Plans to choose from that include dental and vision coverage?

In many cases, yes.  Some Medicare Advantage Plans offer extra coverage, such as dental, vision, and/or hearing benefits. And most Medicare Advantage Plans include Medicare prescription drug coverage, which means you don’t need to purchase separate prescription drug coverage. The Alight private retiree health exchange can also enroll you in a dental and/or vision plan offered by a national provider.

My spouse and I are both eligible to select plans in the exchange. Will this be handled in one combined call with a Benefits Advisor or through separate calls?

If you and your spouse are both eligible to select plans in the exchange, you will receive one education package from Alight. The education package will include a Medicare guide and a letter for a joint telephone appointment with a benefits advisor. If you would prefer to schedule a separate meeting with a benefits advisor, contact Alight Retiree Health Solutions service center.

How do I enroll?

You will receive an education package from Alight with complete information about obtaining individual health care coverage through the private retiree health exchange. You’ll also have helpful one-on-one resources that will be available to you free of charge through the health care exchange. One-on-one assistance will be provided by a dedicated Alight Benefits Advisor. All Benefit Advisors are licensed, certified, and experienced in Medicare-related insurance. They are not incentivized to steer you to specific health insurance carriers and/or plans.

How do I pay for coverage?

As long as you enroll in a medical supplement plan through Alight, a health reimbursement account (HRA) will be established for you. The HRA will be funded by Argonne and managed by Alight. You can receive reimbursement from this account for the health insurance premiums that you pay, as well as other eligible health care expenses. 

Can my spouse and dependents continue to be on the Argonne Retiree Health Care Plan after I pass away?

As long as you have 15 years or more of service with Argonne in a benefits-eligible position, your spouse and dependents can continue to be covered under the Argonne Retiree Health Care Plan. Eligibility for dependent children of retirees will end upon the death of their last remaining medical plan participating parent, stepparent or guardian. 

Where can I get more general information on Alight Retiree Health Solutions?

For general information, call Alight Retiree Health Solutions service center at (844) 689-7831 (TTY use 711 Relay). Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT. You may also visit Alight’s website at retiree​.alight​.com. 

When is it important to contact Argonne, and who do I call?

Call the HRS-Employee Benefits Department when you have to report:

• An address or phone number change
• A death of a retiree, spouse or eligible dependent 
• A divorce of a retiree

Retirees with the last name beginning with A-L call: (630) 252-2985.

Retirees with the last name beginning with M-Z call: (630) 252-2986.