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What is Open Enrollment?

Open Enrollment is the annual period when eligible retirees may review their current benefits and make changes to their coverage for the upcoming plan year.

Who should I contact if I have questions?

�§ Benefits Services
✉️ jessica.fair@csulb.edu

📞 562.985.1368

Benefits Services is available to assist with enrollment forms, eligibility questions, and general Open Enrollment inquiries.

Do I need to take any action if I want to keep my current coverage?

Not necessarily. If you are satisfied with your current plan and no action is required, your coverage may continue into the next plan year. However, we strongly encourage all retirees to review plan changes, premiums, and benefits before deciding.

Who is eligible to participate in Retiree Open Enrollment?

Retirees currently enrolled in a Research Foundation-sponsored Medicare retiree medical plan and eligible dependents may participate in Open Enrollment.

When will my Open Enrollment changes become effective?

All approved Open Enrollment elections will become effective on January 1 of the upcoming plan year unless otherwise stated in the plan materials.

What plans are available to Medicare-eligible retirees?

Available plans may include Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, prescription drug coverage, and dental plans. Please review the plan comparison materials provided on this website for details.

What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans?

Medicare Advantage Plans combine Medicare benefits into a single plan that may include prescription drug coverage and additional benefits.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans work alongside Original Medicare and help pay certain out-of-pocket medical costs not covered by Medicare.

Retirees should review each plan carefully to determine which option best meets their healthcare needs.

Am I required to be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B?

Yes. To participate in most Medicare retiree medical plans, retirees and covered dependents must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B and continue paying any applicable Medicare premiums.

Can I change plans during Open Enrollment?

Yes. Open Enrollment is the annual opportunity to change available retiree medical and dental plans, subject to plan eligibility requirements.

Can I enroll my spouse or dependent?

Eligible spouses and dependents may enroll if they meet plan eligibility requirements. Please review the eligibility information in the enrollment materials.

How do I submit my enrollment forms?

You may submit your completed enrollment forms through the online submission link available on this website or mail them to:

ɫ��ɫ Research Foundation
Attn: Benefit Services
6300 State University Dr., Suite 332
Long Beach, CA 90815

What is the deadline to submit enrollment forms?

All enrollment forms must be received by the Open Enrollment deadline. Forms received after the deadline may not be processed unless permitted under plan rules.

How will I know if my enrollment forms were received?

Benefits Services will review submissions and may contact you if additional information is needed. Retirees may also contact Benefits Services to confirm receipt of forms.

What happens if I miss the Open Enrollment deadline?

If you do not submit changes by the deadline, you may need to wait until the next Open Enrollment period unless you experience a qualifying event that allows a mid-year change.

What is a Qualifying Life Event (QLE)?

A Qualifying Life Event is a specific life event that may allow you to change coverage outside of Open Enrollment, such as:

• Marriage
• Divorce
• Death of a spouse
• Loss of other coverage
• Birth or adoption of a dependent

Supporting documentation may be required.

Will my monthly premium change?

Premiums, copays, deductibles, and covered services may change from year to year. Please review the plan documents and rate sheets available on this website.

How do I find out if my doctor participates in a plan?

Contact the carrier directly or visit their provider directory website to verify that your preferred physicians and facilities participate in the plan's network.

What happens to my coverage if I move out of state?

Some plans have service area requirements. If you move, contact the carrier and Benefits Services as soon as possible to discuss how your coverage may be affected.

Where can I get help choosing a plan?

We encourage retirees to review all plan information carefully and contact the insurance carrier directly with questions regarding benefits, provider networks, coverage, or prescription drug formularies.

Do I need to submit proof that I am enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B?

You may be asked to provide documentation confirming enrollment in Medicare Parts A and B if it is needed to verify eligibility for retiree coverage.

Are prescription drugs included in my retiree medical plan?

Coverage varies by plan. Please review the plan summaries to determine whether prescription drug coverage is included and how medications are covered.

What is the difference between an HMO and PPO Medicare plan?

• HMO plans generally require the use of network providers.
• PPO plans offer more flexibility and may allow members to obtain care both in and out of network, typically at different cost levels.