During the Benefits Open Enrollment period as a retiree, you have the opportunity to evaluate your insurance needs and make changes in your benefits for the following plan year.
The 2027 Open Enrollment will be from October 27 through November 11, 2026.
AmWINS is the Retiree Medical Administrator that will handle eligibility, billing and general benefit questions. Once an eligible employee reaches retirement, they will set up payment with AmWINS.
For questions about eligibility, billing and general benefit questions, call AmWINS Customer Service
1-855-345-7788
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
For questions about United Healthcare benefits and coverage, call UnitedHealthcare Customer Service
800-457-8506, TTY 711
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. local time
For questions about dental plan benefits or claims, call HRI Dental Customer Service
1-800-727-1444
Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The University has partnered with AmWINS to manage your retiree benefits and handle open enrollment questions for all retirees and dependents. AmWINS will host educational presentations to help you better understand your benefits.
October 30, 2026, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM / Join Meeting
November 4, 2026, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM / Join Meeting
Medicare-Eligible Retirees
Helpful Information (UHC Medicare Advantage)
Non-Medicare Eligible Retirees
Go to - myUHC
Select - Find a Provider
Select - Medical Directory
Select - Employer or Individual Plan
Select - Choice Plus
As your 65th birthday approaches, make sure you enroll in Medicare A and B in order to enroll in the University's Medicare Advantage plan. All retirees enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan will transition to the Core Plan for 2027. If you choose to remain on the University's plan, you will be transitioned to the Medicare Advantage Core Plan. Contact AWMINS at 1- 855-345-7788 if you have any questions.
Visit the Surest Indiana information page and select "Preview a Plan." Use access code Indiana2027 to explore providers, services, and copays.
Use the provider search tool on the Surest Indiana information page.
Surest uses a copay-based model where costs can vary depending on the provider and facility selected. Members can compare costs before receiving care using Surest tools.
The plan will have higher deductibles, higher out-of-pocket maximums, and increased copays for certain services beginning January 1, 2027.
Inform AMWINS of any changes you wish to make
If you do not need to make changes, no action is needed
Complete the AMWINS election form and mail using return envelope or fax to 888-883-0774
Remember to update AMWINS with any billing changes
Remember to update beneficiaries at TIAA and with USI
Please contact AMWINS at 1- 855-345-7788.
United Healthcare is the company that provides the University's retirement health plans. The University offers a Medicare Advantage plan to eligible retirees.
No, the retiree must be enrolled in health and/or dental coverage for the spouse to have coverage.
Prescriptions costs can be high, but there are ways to save. Retirees can contact United Healthcare to ensure they are using the Preferred Pharmacy Network and consider using the Home Delivery 90 day supply for maintenance drugs. In addition retirees can check on the best places to get prescriptions by visiting the following price comparison websites.
GoodRx - Compare prices and get coupons for prescriptions. Good Rx coupons can be used instead of insurance. The pharmacy can tell you which is the better deal. Click on the link for more information.
BlinkHealth - Compare prices and get coupons for prescriptions. Blink Health coupons can be used instead of insurance. The pharmacy can tell you which is the better deal. Click on the link for more information.
Extra Help - Medicare beneficiaries can qualify for Extra Help paying for their monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and co-payments related to Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage). You can apply online or call 800-772-1213.
HRI Dental (formerly Paramount) is the current dental provider for the University.
Vision is not offered as a retirement benefit but can be extended by 18 months through COBRA once you retire.
If an eligible employee is not yet eligible for Medicare then they will remain on the UMR or Surest Health Plan until they are eligible. Once they are eligible AmWINS will send you a packet to switch to the Medicare Advantage Plan.
The United Healthcare Medicare Advantage Plan, like other advantage plans, requires retirees to enroll in and pay for Medicare plans A and B. The UHC Medicare Advantage plan enhances and bundles the plans together so that providers only need to bill one insurance plan. Learn more about the Medicare Advantage Plans at medicare.gov and in.gov/ship/.
Once retiree's are eligible for Medicare, they must enroll in Part A and B Medicare. Retirees can make an appointment and go in person the the SSA office (make appointment 30 days in advance) or they can enroll online. The video below is a helpful resource to the online enrollment option.
Watch the video on How to enroll in Medicare.
Medicare Advantage (also known as “Part C”) is a type of Medicare health plan offered by a private company that contracts with Medicare. The University partnered with United Healthcare to provide a Medicare Advantage plan to eligible USI retirees.
Original Medicare covers inpatient hospital and skilled nursing services – Part A - and doctor visits, outpatient services and some preventative care – Part B.
Medicare Advantage plans bundle the original Medicare plans and provide coverage for all the above (Part A and Part B), and also includes prescription drug coverage (Part D).
The University Medicare Advantage plan is a custom plan designed by the University.
Previously, benefits were accessed through a single plan. Beginning in 2027, medical and prescription drug benefits will be administered separately.
You will receive:
A UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Advantage (PPO) medical ID card
A UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) ID card
When you receive care you only need to provide your Medicare Advantage plan card. Keep your original Medicare cards somewhere safe. With the Medicare Advantage plans provided by the University, the claims only has to go through the Advantage plan, it is not going through original Medicare.
If enrolled in one of the Medicare Advantage Plans, there is a $0 copay for SilverSneakers®, a health and fitness program designed for Medicare plan members. It includes a standard monthly membership at participating fitness locations plus online classes, workshops and more.
Call or go online to learn more and to get your SilverSneakers ID number.
Call:
1-888-338-1722, TTY 711
Online:
SilverSneakers.com/StartHere.
The HouseCalls program is not required and does not take the place of your primary doctor. Think of a HouseCalls visit as an extra layer of care. It gives you valuable one-on-one time you don’t always get in the doctor’s office. Plus, we share details about your visit with your regular doctor.
Retiree Benefits Contact
Amwins Group Benefits (eligibility, billing and benefits): 1-855-345-7788
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Benefits Team Contacts
Life insurance benefits questions: benefits@usi.edu.
Fee waiver questions: feewaivers@usi.edu
Or call 812-464-1815.