Retiree Health Coverage

At the time of retirement, employees have the option to continue their medical health and travel insurance with Acadia if they retire as per the definition of retirement under the Public Service Superannuation Plan. If you have any questions regarding retiree health coverage at Acadia you may contact Kathy Klein, Benefits Administrator at 902-585-1197 or by email at kathy.klein@acadiau.ca. You may also refer to our FAQ's section below to find out more information.    


FAQs about the Retiree Health Coverage

When I retire do I get to keep Acadia's Heath Benefits?

At the time of retirement, employees will have the option to continue their medical health insurance with Acadia. Assuming they retire as per the definition of retirement under the Public Service Superannuation Plan. If you elect to keep your coverage during your retirement the premiums will be covered at your own expense. For rates, please contact Kathy Klein, Benefits Administrator at 902-585-1197 or by email at kathy.klein@acadiau.ca. To find out more about Acadia's medical health coverage please click here. Please note your health spending account will terminate on the date of your retirement.

Is travel medical insurance included with my health coverage once I retire?

Yes, emergency travel medical coverage is included with your medical health coverage, however you MUST have provincial health coverage with your home province in order to be eligible for travel medical insurance with SSQ. The coverage includes emergency travel medical, but does not include coverage for trip cancellation/trip interruption, or lost/stolen luggage. Please see our page on world wide travel medical insurance to read more. 

Is dental coverage included with Acadia retiree benefits?

No, only supplemental health and travel insurance is available to retirees of Acadia University. Upon retirement your dental (if applicable), and health spending account will terminate on the date of your retirement.

Is life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance included with Acadia retiree benefits?

No, you have 31 days following your retirement date to convert your Life Insurance to an individual policy at your own expense. For further information please contact Manulife @ 1-800-565-0627

How do I pay for my health premiums?

Invoices for monthly premiums are sent out twice yearly, approximately March and August annually, billing for 6 months of premiums each invoice.  Payment forms accepted are CHEQUE and CASH only.  Unfortunately, Acadia is not able to accept electronic or credit card payments.

Will I get a receipt for my premiums paid?

Yes, you will be mailed an annual receipt for the tax year in early February.

If I cancel my medical coverage with Acadia, as a retiree, can I opt back in?

No, once you cancel your coverage with the Acadia retiree program, you cannot opt back into the plan.

When I turn 65 what happens to my coverage?

Upon turning 65, all supplemental health coverage remains the same, with the exception of prescription drug coverage. At age 65 prescription drug coverage terminates, and the retiree should apply for Provincial Pharmacare coverage. If married, and your spouse is under 65, their prescription drug coverage remains in place until they reach the age of 65. The retiree's monthly health coverage premium will decrease at the age of 65 as the result of prescription drugs no longer being covered. The decrease in premium will be reflected in the month following your 65th birthday, and the 6 month premium invoice will reflect this change. You can contact Nova Scotia Pharmacare at 1-800-544-6191 or view their website at http://novascotia.ca/dhw/pharmacare/seniors-pharmacare.asp to find out more information about enrolling in the provincial pharmacare program. 

What happens to a spouse's coverage in the event of a retiree's death?

In the event of the death of a retired employee, the spouse under the age of 65 may elect to continue benefits until reaching the age of 65. At which time, the spouse has 31 days to convert to a private health care plan. Coverage under the Acadia retiree plan will terminate on the spouse’s 65th birthday.  If the spouse was also an Acadia retiree, they may continue under the plan until they chose to terminate coverage or death occurs.

Who can I talk to about Retiree Health Coverage at Acadia?

Please contact Kathy Klein, Benefits Administrator at 902-585-1197 or by email at kathy.klein@acadiau.ca.