Retiree Benefits for 2026
Retiree Benefit Information
As an eligible Northwestern University retiree, you may participate in medical, dental, and vision plans. Review the benefit options and enroll in the plan(s) that are right for you. Once you have reviewed the plan options below, please review the retirement process for information on how to enroll.
New retirees have 31 days from their date of retirement to elect retiree benefits. Coverage is effective the 1st of the month after your active faculty and staff coverage terminates.
The plans for which you and your eligible dependents may enroll in are based on the retiree's age at retirement, the retiree's spouse's age at retirement, and benefits enrollment at retirement.
Pre-65 Retiree Plans
At retirement, an eligible retiree and spouse who is younger than age 65 may continue their medical, dental, and vision enrollment in effect at the time of their retirement, at the retiree premium. Dependent children under age 26, or over age 26 if disabled, may also be enrolled in the Pre-65 Retiree Plans as long as the enrolled retiree or their spouse is under age 65. No one over age 65 may be enrolled in the Pre-65 Retiree Plans. See the Pre-65 Retiree Plans website for more information, including benefits details and premiums.
Post-65 Retiree Medicare Advantage Plan
If a retiree or their spouse is over age 65, they may enroll in the Post-65 Retiree Group Medicare Advantage Plan. The retiree does not need to be enrolled in University medical, dental, or vision coverage at retirement to elect the Medicare Advantage plan. The Medicare Advantage Plan offers coverage for medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision for one premium. Dependent children who are enrolled in Medicare due to disability may also enroll in the Medicare Advantage Plan. You must be enrolled in Medicare to participate in the Medicare Advantage plan. See the Post-65 Retiree Plan website for more information, including benefits details and premiums.
2026 Resources
- Medicare Request for Employment Form (CMS L564)
- Medicare Part D Notice
- Notice of Change to Retiree Benefits for 2026
- 2026 Pre-65 Retiree Benefits Guide - Coming on October
- 2026 Post-65 Retiree Benefits Guide - Coming on October
Remember to keep your address updated
After you retire, please notify Human Resources if your address changes. Human Resources sends time-sensitive benefits information by mail to our retirees, including changes to coverage, rates, or providers. To make sure you receive these important updates, it’s essential that we have your most current contact information. To update your address, complete a Personal Data Form and return it with a photo copy of a picture ID to askHR@northwestern.edu or mail to Human Resources at 1800 Sherman, Evanston, IL 60201. All questions can be directed to HR Operations at 847-491-4700.