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Retiree Benefits

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Retiree medical plan options:

It's the annual enrollment period for city of Houston. There are a few changes to the Cigna medical plans and a new provider for the dental plans, Deltal Dental. 


Retirees in a Cigna plan

If you are happy with your current plan, you don’t need to do anything — your coverage will remain in effect. Plans will remain essentially the same.


Medicare-covered retirees

Although you have the option of switching from one Medicare plan to another at the first of any month, you can only switch dental plans during open enrollment. If you have a dependent in a Cigna plan and you need to make changes, now is the time. 


Retirees with dental or vision plans

The city has a new dental provider, Delta Dental. The rates are slightly lower with the same plan details. If you are happy with your current plan — do nothing and your coverage will remain the same. In the DHMO, you will be defaulted to a primary care dentist in your zip code. Call Delta Dental at 800-422-4234 or go deltadentalins.com to choose a different dentist. Most of the dentists from the previous provider are in the new network. New ID cards will be issued by May 1.

There are no changes to the vision plan. If you are happy with it — do nothing and your coverage will remain the same.


What do I need to do? 

If you are happy with your current selections - do nothing. 

If you want to switch or drop plans or dependents, request an enrollment form from the benefits division. 

Update your beneficiary - It’s important that your beneficiary is up-to-date so that your benefits will go to the right person. 

If you or your dependent becomes Medicare eligible, you must enroll in Medicare Parts A and B as well as a city Medicare plan. Medicare-eligible retirees or dependents are not eligible to participate in a Cigna plan. 


Note about Dental and Vision plans

If you have a Cigna medical plan, you are eligilble for the stand-alone vision plan. For dental, you must either already be enrolled in, or previously opted out of the city's insurance to be eligible. You may drop or switch plans.


Becoming Medicare Eligible

You become Medicare eligible on the first day of the month in which you turn 65, or if your birthday is on the first of the month, on the first day of the prior month.

If you or a dependent becomes Medicare eligible, you must apply for Medicare parts A and B. Do not apply for Medicare Plan D.

All city Medicare plans include a prescription benefit equal to, or better than Medicare Plan D.

Medicare-eligible retirees or their Medicare eligible dependents are not eligible to participate in a city Cigna medical plan.

You should start the process to enroll in Medicare at least three months in advance.

Once you receive your Medicare card or acceptance letter, you must enroll in one of the six Medicare plans offered by the city.

Your coverage will become effective on the first day of the month after your enrollment forms are received by the benefits division. And, you can change plans at the first of any month.

If you need assistance navigating the Medicare process, contact the Human Resources benefits division. Our customer service representatives can help guide you.


Retirement Benefits



Retiree Enrollment Forms


Medicare plan forms