Grand Valley State University has cut a retirement healthcare benefit, affecting employees hired before 2014 who have retired before the age of 65. The decision has caused significant backlash from several faculty members.
The Retiree Medical Program provided access to the University’s group health insurance plan following retirement until the age of 65, when participants become eligible for Medicare. GVSU also previously offered contributions up to $150 a month for the retiree’s coverage and up to $125 a month for the retiree’s spouse’s coverage. Retirees covered remaining monthly costs. A smaller plan offered up to $90 of coverage for retirees over the age of 65 who use Medicare.
The GVSU Human Resources Department sent an email to eligible faculty Friday, Feb. 6, announcing the changes. Under the section ‘What is Changing,’ a statement read, “GVSU is transitioning the administration of our Retiree Medical Program to ensure long-term stability.” The Retiree Medical Program ended 12 years ago, but those hired before then were still eligible, until now…