THE SENIOR CITIZEN HEALTH PROGRAM - A PROGRAM TO COMPLEMENT YOUR MEDICARE COVERAGE

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Early Retiree Coverage
In the event you lose active coverage, you may continue your coverage under the AFTRA Individual or Family Health Plans after you have reached the age of 55, but before you have turned 65, if you meet the eligibility requirements described below. This continuation of benefits requires that you pay premiums for coverage. Early Retiree coverage provides the same medical benefits that are provided under the Individual and Family Plans. However, Early Retiree coverage does not include Life or AD&D Insurance, or Loss of Voice coverage, nor does it include dental benefits.

Eligibility Requirements
To become eligible to pay for Early Retiree health benefits, you must meet each of the following requirements:

• you lose eligibility under the AFTRA Health Plans because your covered earnings no longer qualify you for coverage;
• you would be eligible for Senior Citizen coverage except for your age (to determine whether you would have qualified for Senior Citizen coverage please click here);
• you have applied for and received AFTRA Retirement Plan benefits; and
• you make your first premium payment within 45 days after the date you would otherwise lose coverage.

If you are eligible for Early Retiree benefits based on these criteria, you will be able to buy coverage for yourself and your dependents by paying the quarterly premiums set by the Fund for this coverage. The Early Retiree coverage premiums are based on the Fund's COBRA premiums without dental coverage.

Premiums may change from time to time. For more information on the cost of coverage, contact the New York Fund office.

Your Early Retiree health benefits are offered through the AFTRA Health Plans and are not part of your benefits provided by the AFTRA Retirement Plan.

For information about surviving spouse coverage, please click here.
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