Dear Colleagues,
There is a form included in the mailed enrollment packets from the District called the “Declination of Coverage for Retirees”. It is intended to be used by retirees who wish to opt out of coverage through SISC. We have reviewed the wording on the form with our attorney and there is a concern about the impact this waiver of coverage form may have on the ability of retirees to regain coverage through VCCCD in the future should the District move away from SISC.
Due to these concerns about the wording of this form and on the advice of our attorney, we strongly suggest that you consider NOT filling out and submitting the Declination of Coverage for Retirees form until our attorney is able to get clarification about the intent of the form. She is consulting the District’s attorney today, Monday October 16.
Please understand that it is your decision as to whether or not to continue receiving health insurance benefits through the VCCCD and we are not suggesting that you continue coverage if it is your intent to opt out. The deadline to enroll in or opt out of coverage remains the same, November 1, 2023. If it is your intent to opt out of coverage, you must still do so by that date. However, the Declination of Coverage for Retirees form may have far-reaching consequences that you need to consider.
We will inform you of our attorney’s response as soon as we receive it. You may also contact the District Benefits staff yourselves to ask about the intent of this form and whether or not signing it would prevent you from seeking coverage from the District if they move away from SISC in the future.
If you do not intend to waive or ofopt out coverage through SISC this email does not affect you. Please continue to submit your enrollment forms and documents as directed by the District Benefits staff.
Please contact me with any questions you have.
Susan Bricker
VCCCDRA President