If this occurs, to prevent the loss of this important benefit, we give you the choice of changing to a lower cost plan or making premium payments directly to us. Once you choose direct payment of premiums, they cannot be deducted from the monthly annuity even if it increases to an amount that is higher than the health benefits premiums. The cost of your coverage is the same as it would be if we could withhold premiums from your monthly annuity. You will pay only the enrollee share to us. We will send you a letter providing payment instructions and a set of health benefit premium coupons with the verification of your enrollment change or new enrollment.
Premium payments are due the first of each month.
To apply to pay premiums directly to us, contact us as described on page 1. To change your enrollment, contact us. Be sure to give your retirement claim number or your survivor annuity claim number. Whether you write or call, we need to know the change you wish to make, the event which permits the change, and the date on which that event occurred. The effective date for enrollment changes depends on the date our office receives your request.