Retiree Benefits and Options

If you are thinking about retirement, here are answers to some frequently asked questions.  If your question is not answered here, please contact Mandee Lape, Director of Human Resources, at [email protected].

I have a retirement date in mind with the retirement board.  What is the next step to notify the District and to request benefits?

All employees need to write a letter to the Superintendent announcing his/her retirement and the date.  The Superintendent will respond and copy all pertinent personnel.  Teachers should provide the letter by October in the previous fiscal year in accordance with their contract to meet certain benefits.  MTRS has a retirement application on the website.  This should be sent to the payroll office for completion.  The instructions are provided with deadlines and dates.  At that time, payroll will go over retirement benefits and options.

How do I know if I am medicare eligible?

If Medicare is deducted from your pay from you or your spouse.  State and local government employees hired (or rehired) after March 31, 1986, are subject to mandatory Medicare coverage.

Employees who have been in continuous employment with the employer since March 31, 1986, who are not covered under a Section 218 Agreement nor subject to the mandatory Social Security and Medicare provisions, remain exempt from both Social Security and Medicare taxes, provided they are members of a public retirement system.

If I work beyond age 65 do I need to sign up for Medicare?

Yes, anyone reaching age 65 needs to enroll in Medicare. 

If I am not medicare eligible do I need to enroll?

No you do not.

Can I keep my health insurance when I retire?

Yes, anyone hired prior to 2009 may elect to take coverage at the same cost.  Anyone hired after 2009 must have insurance for one year prior to retirement to elect coverage.

What benefits am I entitled to at Retirement?

• Current Health and Dental insurance.
• Group Term Life at a reduced coverage from $5000.00 to $2000.00
• Premiums are deducted from your pension and paid to the Town.