Continuing in 2026, eligible Post-Age 65 retirees and eligible spouses will receive their healthcare coverage through an exchange program. The Oak Ridge Reservation Cleanup Contract (ORRCC) Retiree Healthcare Exchange (RHE), options, and stipend will remain in effect for 2026. The annual employer-paid stipend amount for 2026 is $2,832.
An annual employer paid tax free stipend, payable through a Retiree Reimbursement Arrangement (RRA), will be made available to eligible retirees and eligible spouses to help offset medical expenses. If you are an eligible retiree, you may sign up for the ORRCC RHE program during the applicable benefits annual open enrollment period or Qualifying Life Event (QLE). However, you must elect the healthcare exchange coverage through the ORRCC RHE program in order to receive the stipend.
An eligible retiree must be enrolled in the ORRCC medical coverage in order for eligible spouse to enroll in Pre-Age 65 or Post-Age 65 retiree medical coverage (this does not apply to surviving spouse).
Changes to Reimbursement process:
If you have UHC/AARP Medicare Supplemental plan premiums those will be automatically reimbursed starting January 2026. Plan premiums must be paid to UHC/AARP before the reimbursement will occur. If you have a $0 plan premium you may still submit claims for other expenses or premiums as usual.
Retiree Reimbursement Accounts Login
For Pre-Age 65 Retirees who turn 65 after December 31, 2024, the coverage under the Pre-Age 65 Retiree Medical Benefit Plan (Blue Cross Blue Shield of TN ) will end on the last day of the month prior to which he or she attains age 65.
Example: Your 65th birthday is October 16th; you will have Pre-Age 65 coverage through the end of September.
Thus, the retiree will become eligible to enroll in the Post-Age 65 RHE program with UnitedHealthcare providing Medicare-related medical benefits, effective the first day of their 65th birthday month.
If you have retired from K-25 prior to April of 1998 please contact the One Call Service Center (Y-12 Benefits) at 865-574-1500. Or email Y-12 at: Benefits@y12.doe.gov
