Frequently Asked Questions
For Retirees eligible for retiree benefits
When can I claim Social Security?
You could begin receiving Social Security at age 62, but you are entitled to full benefits only when you reach your full retirement age and will receive more if you wait until age 70. Visit ssa.gov for details on your full retirement age and to estimate how your payment may vary depending on when you begin to claim your benefit.
When can I enroll in my benefits?
Once you retire and choose the termination reason of “Voluntary Retirement,” your active LANL Health & Welfare employee medical, dental, vision, legal, and ID theft (if applicable) coverages will continue until the last day of the month following the month in which you terminate. Your retiree H&W Benefits will begin at the first of the month after your LANL Active H&W Benefits end.
Enrollment cannot be completed until Empyrean Benefit Solutions validates you have commenced your monthly pension from LANL or UC. Once Empyrean Benefit Solutions has received your retirement information from Aon Your Pension Resources (YPR) or the University of California Retirement Plan (UCRP), you will receive a welcome/enrollment letter from Empyrean Benefit Solutions.
Visit lanlbenefits.com to learn more!
What if I need to change or update my benefits?
You can change or update your benefits each fall during Open Enrollment. You may be able to change your benefit elections outside of Open Enrollment if you experience a qualified life event (e.g. marriage, birth, adoption, death). You must report the qualifying event to Empyrean Benefit Solutions within 31 calendar days of the date of the event.
Where can I get more information about retiree benefits?
For additional information, please see the Triad Welfare Benefit Plan for Retirees Summary Plan Description on the Empyrean Benefit Solutions website at LANLBenefits.com.
For a comprehensive look at all the benefit options that are available to you and links to the Summary Plan Descriptions, required notices, and benefit booklets, visit LANLBenefits.com or contact Empyrean Customer Care Center for LANL at 1-844-805-0002.
Medicare FAQs
Will I automatically be enrolled in Medicare at 65 (if I am not eligible for LANL retiree benefits)?
Most people become eligible to sign up for Medicare three months before and three months after they turn 65. As you near 65, you should ask yourself, “Do I need Medicare coverage right now?”
Some individuals may still have health insurance through an employer and want to continue that coverage. Others may be coming off their health insurance and need to switch to Medicare.
If you plan to make Medicare your primary source of health insurance, you should enroll in Part A and Part B as soon as you become eligible and start considering the additional options we've covered. We recommend you contact Social Security to enroll in Part A and Part B and determine how you'll pay for it (usually the premiums are deducted from your retirement benefits, although direct bill is another option). If you already receive Social Security retirement benefits, you’re automatically enrolled in Part A and Part B when you turn 65.
How much does Medicare cost (if I am not eligible for LANL retiree benefits)?
Medicare Part A and Part B have monthly premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. Most people don't pay the Part A premium, due to the Medicare taxes they paid while working. Everyone pays the Part B premium. This amount changes yearly and is determined by income. If you enroll in Part B late, you could have a penalty fee added. Plus, there is no limit on what you pay out of pocket with Original Medicare.
Medicare.gov has more on details on costs.
Who do I contact to change my name and address for Medicare purposes?
To change your official address with Medicare, you must contact Social Security regardless of whether or not you get Social Security benefits. To do this, sign in to your Social Security Account or call 1-800-772-1213.
I have more questions about Medicare—who should I ask?
Visit the Medicare website at medicare.gov or visit Fidelity’s Medicare Learning Center to get an understanding of what Medicare is and how it works.
For Former Employees
What will happen to my benefits if I separate from service with Los Alamos National Laboratory?
You and your dependents may be eligible to continue health benefit coverage (including medical, dental, vision, and Health Care Reimbursement Account benefits) at group rates through COBRA coverage. You may elect to continue coverage at your own expense on an after-tax basis when the coverage you have through the plan ends. Visit this page to learn more about enrolling in COBRA coverage.
Will unemployment benefits affect my Social Security benefits?
No, unemployment benefits don’t affect Social Security benefits. Unemployment is not considered salary and is, therefore, not counted.
What happens to my 401(k) when I separate from the Laboratory?
After you leave LANL, if your vested 401(k) account balance is equal to or less than $1,000, it is automatically distributed to you. If your vested account balance is greater than $1,000 but not more than $7,000, you may be notified that your entire account balance will be transferred to a Rollover IRA, unless you request a cash distribution or a rollover distribution. If your vested balance is greater than $7,000, you can leave your balance in the plan—or roll over your eligible balance to a new employer’s plan or to an IRA.
Be sure to consider all your available options and the applicable fees and features of each before moving your retirement assets. Visit netbenefits.com to learn more about your options for your 401(k) Plan balance.
How do I know if I’m vested in the 401(k) Plan?
You are 100% vested in your own contributions and any company contributions you received in the Triad 401(k) Retirement Plan.