The Dakotas Conference Board of Pensions has partnered with Wespath to offer coverage to its Medicare-eligible retirees through Via Benefits. Via Benefits is a company focused on linking Medicare-eligible participants with Medicare supplemental plans, offering more choices for participants and their spouses.

The Via Benefits FAQ guide can help answer some of the most commonly asked questions by participants.

Additionally, the Via Benefits Health Coverage with More Choices Brochure helps you understand the different parts of Medicare, your options, how the HRAs work, and how Via Benefits can assist you.

Licensed benefit advisors are available to help you choose a plan, enroll in coverage, and set-up reimbursements to you from your HRA (information below). To contact Via Benefits, please visit their website Via Benefits or call 1-866-249-7785.

Medicare Enrollment:

To participate in Via Benefits, you must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services makes this process simple. Participants may begin enrolling in Medicare Parts A and B as early as 3-months prior to their effective date.

Health Reimbursement Account (HRA):

The Board of Pensions provides a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) to eligible retirees and spouses. Annual amounts are based off participants age and years of service. Spouses and surviving spouses will be credited the same years of participation as the retired employee.

And while this is not a vested benefit, the Board of Pensions is pleased to renew this benefit for 2025.

For questions, call the Conference Benefits and HR Officer, at 605-990-7785 or email at joann.early@dakotasumc.org.