Surviving Spouse

A Surviving Spouse of a Retiree is eligible to continue coverage if he/she was covered by SHBP as a dependent at the time of the Retiree’s death and:

  1. are receiving an immediate annuity, or
  2. was married to the Retiree at least one year prior to his/her death.
  • How Is SHBP Notified That the Surviving Spouse Is Receiving an Immediate Annuity?

    The Retiree’s State Retirement system will transmit the Surviving Spouse’s record via file to SHBP which will include data such as the effective start date of the annuity, the Retiree’s years of service as of 1/1/2012, and the Retiree’s total years of service.

  • If SHBP Is Notified That the Surviving Spouse Is Receiving an Immediate Annuity, What Happens Next?
    1. SHBP sets up a new account in the SHBP Enrollment Portal for the Spouse, and he/she may access their coverage information by:
      • Visiting the SHBP Enrollment Portal 24 Hours a Day/7 Days Per Week (for instructions on registering or logging in the SHBP Enrollment Portal, click here), or
      • Contacting SHBP Member Services, Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET
    2. Any additional dependents covered by the Retiree at the time of his death are added to the Surviving Spouse’s new account and their coverage information is also accessible by the Surviving Spouse.
    3. Monthly premiums are deducted from the Surviving Spouse’s annuity. If the annuity is not sufficient to cover the Monthly premiums or if the monthly premium is more than $690.00 per month in Plan Year 2024, SHBP will place the Spouse on Direct Pay and bill them directly for their monthly premiums via ADP’s subcontractor, Wex.
  • If the Surviving Spouse Is Not Receiving an Immediate Annuity, What Happens Next?
    1. SHBP will confirm via the data we have on file that the Spouse was married to the Retiree for at least one (1) year before his/her death.
    2. SHBP sets up a new account in the SHBP Enrollment Portal for the Spouse, and he/she may access their coverage information by:
      • Visiting the SHBP Enrollment Portal 24 Hours a Day/7 Days Per Week (for instructions on registering or logging in the SHBP Enrollment Portal, click here), or
      • Contacting SHBP Member Services, Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET
    3. Any additional dependents covered by the Retiree at the time of his death are added to the Surviving Spouse’s new account and their coverage information is also accessible by the Surviving Spouse

    SHBP will place the Surviving Spouse on Direct Pay and bill them directly for their monthly premiums via ADP’s subcontractor, WageWorks

  • What Happens If a Surviving Spouse Who Is Not Receiving an Immediate Annuity Remarries?

    He/she is no longer eligible for SHBP Coverage, and their coverage will be terminated. The Surviving Spouse should immediately notify SHBP of their new marriage by contacting SHBP Member Services at [email protected] or 800-610-1863, Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET

  • What happens If the Surviving Spouse Does Not Receive an Immediate Annuity and Was Not Married to the Retiree at Least One (1) year prior to His/Her Death?

    The Surviving Spouse may continue COBRA coverage.

  • Can a Surviving Spouse add new dependents?

    No.

  • What Happens If a Retiree’s Surviving Spouse is employed with an SHBP Employing Entity?

    Surviving Spouses who become eligible for SHBP coverage due to their employment in a benefits eligible position may enroll in benefits through their Employer.

  • If a Retiree’s Surviving Spouse elects coverage as an Active Member during his/her employment with an SHBP Employing Entity, what happens when he/she terminates employment?

    He/she may transition back to coverage as a Surviving Spouse.

    • To transition back to Surviving Spouse coverage, he/she MUST notify SHBP within 31 days of terminating employment by contacting SHBP Member Services at [email protected] or 800-610-1863, Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET
    • The Surviving Spouse is not required to transition back to coverage as a Surviving Spouse and may continue coverage based on their eligibility as a terminating employee or Retiree, as applicable.
  • What Plan Options are available for a Retiree’s Surviving Spouse?

    Surviving Spouses are eligible for the same coverage as Retirees. You may visit the Retiree section of our website for information on Plan Options and Rates.