Retirement frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Does the County provide Dental or Vision Coverage to retirees?

How do I contact the ESA Benefits Department?

I have a cost for my Retiree Medical Coverage, how do I pay it?

Retirees who have an out-of-pocket cost for retiree medical premiums must agree to pay through deduction from their CalPERS pension. Contact the Employee Benefits Department at (408) 970-2600 or toll free at (800) 541-7749 to obtain a CalPERS Direct Authorization Program form.

If I retire and move outside of the country, do I still get my full pension?

For those retirees who fully vest in the CalPERS pension and reach the age of eligibility under the County's benefit formula, your benefit is guaranteed and payable for life and you can receive payments wherever you live in the world.

If, at the time of retirement, you have not vested in the CalPERS pension (for most people, that amounts to at least five years of service) you can opt to take a lump-sum refund or rollover to another qualified retirement account or leave the contributions and interest in your account.

You can find out more about those options here. If you have any questions about your specific pension benefits, please contact CalPERS at: 888-CalPERS (888-225-7377).

May I change plans when I'm retired?

Retirees may change their medical plan coverage during open enrollment every May. All changes will be effective July 1st.

Should I enroll in the new Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program?

No, the County provides retirees with prescription drug coverage that is equal to or greater than the drug coverage provided under Medicare Part D. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services notifies the County when a retiree and/or covered spouse enrolls in Medicare Part D or is covered on Medicare Part D through another group plan. The County will send a notice to the retiree advising them to disenroll within 30 days or risk losing their County sponsored medical coverage.

What are my options for health insurance if I retire and move outside of California?

For retirees who qualify, the County offers medical insurance benefits to retirees that are similar to medical benefits that you receive as an active employee under the County's Retiree Medical Coverage program. For most retirees living in California, that means the County pays for the equivalent of single coverage under the Kaiser non-Medicare health plan.

If you decide to live outside of California in retirement and would like to keep County-offered coverage, the County offers HealthNet PPO and HealthNet Flexnet.

If you choose to waive County-offered coverage, the County of Santa Clara also offers a Payment In-Lieu program if you will permanently reside outside of California where you may receive compensation instead of medical insurance. To be eligible for this option, you must permanently reside outside of California and provide proof of coverage in major medical insurance. Payment In-Lieu is considered compensation and therefore taxable. A 7% California income tax is applied.

One note: Dental and Vision benefits are not included in the Retiree Medical package that we offer. You may elect dental or vision coverage under COBRA for as long as the program allows or other means upon retirement. These would be out-of-pocket expenses for you.

If at the time of retirement, you do not meet the eligibility criteria for the County’s Retiree Medical Coverage Program, you can buy health insurance for you and your dependents under COBRA for as long as the program allows, through a state health care exchange, or through a private insurance provider.

Refer to your Benefits Guide for more information about Retiree Medical eligibility. If you have any other questions about your specific retirement benefits, please email our retirement benefits team at [email protected].

What happens to my Retiree Medical coverage if I move out of State?

You will have to change your Medical Coverage due to moving out of state. Please call or email us if you if you have moved, or plan to move out of state.

What if I move out of the service area of my medical plan?

There are options available to you should you move out of the service area of a particular plan. If you move out of the service area of your plan, you should contact the Employee Benefits Department within 30 days to determine which option is best for your situation.

What is Payment In-Lieu of Medical Coverage?

Payment In-Lieu of Medical Coverage is an option available to Retirees who move out of the state of California. In order to qualify, you will need to reside outside of California and provide proof of other coverage. If you have Medicare A & B, your Medicare care is adequate proof of coverage. Please give us a call if you plan to switch to this program.

What is the cost for retiree medical coverage?

The County pays an amount equal to the Kaiser rate for the retiree only. If the retiree belongs to a plan that has a higher premium than the Kaiser rate, the retiree pays the difference. There is a monthly premium payment for dependents regardless of age.

When can I add a new dependent to my coverage?

You may add a new eligible dependent to your retiree medical within 30 days of a qualifying event or during the annual open enrollment period in May. Examples of a qualifying event are marriage, birth or adoption or a child, loss of other medical coverage.