PREPARING FOR RETIREMENT

1. Make sure you have your birth certificate and proof of any military service.

2. 90 days prior to your 60^th birthday, contact your local RRB office to make application for retirement benefits. You may file your proofs prior to 90 day in advance.

3. 30 days prior to retirement, contact United Healthcare for an application if you want to purchase 23111 (Plan E) enhancement to GA 46000. Contact UHC for more information on plan E.

4. Once RRB Benefits are approved, if you are under age 65, submit application for GA 46000. Call UHC for an application or download from the retirement section at WWW.ATDA.US.

If retiring at age 60 but before age 65, your health care benefits are provided under GA 46000 with United Healthcare. 46000 is free to you, however the enhancement (23111 part E) has a monthly premium.

Application for GA 46000 should be made once your Railroad Retirement annuity is approved. Don’t delay filing the application as you risk a lapse in coverage.

You must be qualified for your health care plan under the collective bargaining agreement at the time you make application for RRB annuity benefits in order to qualify for GA 46000. In short, apply to the RRB for retirement benefits while you are still employed. If you are not qualified for coverage under you healthcare plan at the time you apply for RRB benefits, you do not qualify for GA 46000.

Coverage under GA 46000 ends when you become eligible for Medicare benefits or if your Railroad Retirement annuity ends.

When a retiree becomes eligible for Medicare, all coverage under GA 46000 ends, including coverage for dependents. Other provisions must be made for dependent healthcare.

As you approach age 65, you will receive information regarding application for Medicare benefits.