Frequently Asked Questions: Retiree Plan
Who can apply for Retiree Plan?
The Retiree Plan is available to residents of Saskatchewan aged 50 and older who are nearing retirement, or have recently retired, and are leaving a group benefits plan. Coverage under the Retiree Plan must begin within 90 days of the date on which you lost coverage through your employer benefits plan.
Are there any age requirements or limits to apply?
Retiree Application Requirements
- Applicants must be at least 50 years of age and have retired within the last 90 days, losing group benefits coverage.
- Applicants must also be residents of Saskatchewan.
There are no upper age limits, and all benefits remain available regardless of age.
I already have a personal plan with Saskatchewan Blue Cross. Can I switch to the Retiree Plan?
Not at this time. The Retiree Plan is only available to members who have retired and lost coverage through a group benefits plan in the past 90 days.
What benefits are included in the Retiree Plan?
The Retiree Plan provides essential coverage tailored for retirees. Each plan includes health benefits, travel insurance, prescription drug coverage, and optional dental care. Each benefit module has three levels of coverage to choose from, offering 36 possible plan combinations to fit different budgets, health and wellness goals, and lifestyles.
Core Health Benefits:
✔ Hospital accommodations
✔ Vision care (eye exams, glasses, and more)
✔ Ambulance services
✔ Mental wellness benefits (access to counselling, online resources, and more)
✔ Virtual Care
✔ Mobility aids and walkers
✔ Accidental dental
Travel Benefits:
Travel coverage is as a core offering within the health benefits, with coverage for a minimum of 30 days per trip and up to $5 million for emergency medical services. The level of travel coverage matches the coverage level selected for core health.
Prescription Drug Benefits:
Prescription drug coverage is included in all plans, with flexibility in choice based on individual needs. There are three coverage levels to choose from, with varying benefit maximums and the option to select coverage for medications that extends beyond drugs listed on the Saskatchewan Drug Plan Formulary.
Dental Benefits (optional):
The dental portion of the plan is an optional benefit that supports affordability and flexibility.
When does my Personal Health Plan coverage take effect?
For Blue Choice® and Guaranteed Acceptance plans: Your coverage begins on the first day of the month following the approval of your application and the receipt of your payment.
For Conversion and Retiree plans: Apply and secure coverage that starts within 90 days of leaving an employer benefits plan and experience no interruption in coverage.
Will coverage under my Conversion or Retiree Plan be identical to my employer benefits plan?
These plans offer benefits that are complementary to group benefit plans, but are not identical.
They offer customizable options that can be tailored to your unique needs, but may not provide the exact same coverage as your previous plan.
Can I add my partner and children to my policy?
For Personal members: You can apply to add your child and/or partner to your policy by completing the Personal Health Plans Application here.
For Group plan members: Please contact your plan administrator to inquire about adding your partner and dependents.
Learn more about managing your plan here.
The Blue Choice®, Conversion, Guaranteed Acceptance and Retiree plans provide coverage for health benefits above the provincial plan, such as hospital accommodations, emergency ambulance services, health practitioners like massage therapy, and many more! Please contact our office at 1-800-667-6853 and a member of our team would be happy to discuss further details.
How can I apply for a Retiree Personal Health Plan?
If you'd like to apply for the Retiree Plan, you can apply online or contact our Member Experience team at 1-800-667-5853.
Are pre-existing conditions covered under the Retiree Plan?
Yes, the Retiree Plan is a guaranteed acceptance plan that provides coverage for essential health needs that retirees may not secure elsewhere. Upon application, there is no medical questionnaire, with guaranteed coverage.
A 90-day stability clause applies to emergency medical travel coverage. This means that there is no travel coverage for medical conditions that are not stable for the 90 days before your trip’s start date.
Are there waiting periods before benefits start?
No, there are no waiting periods.
What is the cost of the Retiree Plan?
The Retiree Plan offers a mix-and-match plan design with varied rates based on the selected benefit modules and coverage levels. The rate is calculated based on a number of factors:
- The age of the oldest person on the policy;
- The total number of members covered on the policy;
- The benefit modules selected; and
- The coverage level selected for each module.
Submit a Quote to receive detailed pricing and plan information tailored to your needs. These rates may change when a new age bracket is reached or upon changes to rates by Saskatchewan Blue Cross.
Can I change my coverage levels after I’ve enrolled in the Retiree Plan?
Yes, you can adjust the level of coverage within each benefit module at any time or remove optional dental coverage. However, if you remove an optional benefit, you must wait 24 months before adding it back to your plan.