Dental Benefits for Medicare-Eligible Retirees
Medicare-Eligible Retirees Open Enrollment is scheduled for
October 19 – November 13, 2026
For Plan Year January 1, 2027 – December 31, 2027
Eligible retirees will have an opportunity to cancel or make changes to their existing medical and/or dental insurance coverage.
Details on the specific plan changes and options will be posted at the Medicare Eligible Retirees Open Enrollment page.
If you need to update benefits due to a qualifying change in status, visit the Qualifying Change in Status webpage
About the Plans
Medicare-Eligible Retirees (age 65 and older) are eligible to retain the same dental plan they had before turning 65. They are responsible for paying a percentage of their premiums based on their VEBA service credits for the UNM dental benefits elected at retirement for themselves and eligible dependents.
Delta Dental PPO is a lower premium plan offering Delta Dental PPO Network dentists at the most discounted Maximum Approved Fees.
Delta Dental Premier, a higher premium plan, gives you the option to use the Delta Dental Premier Network and PPO Networks. This plan allows you to maximize the value of your dental coverage by choosing a Premier Network dentist who also participates in the PPO network.
Eligibility
Employees hired on or before June 30, 2015 who meet VEBA-eligibility criteria may elect to enroll in UNM retiree medical benefits at retirement. To access these benefits, a potential retiree must meet the criteria of University Administrative Policy 3600, Section 3.6.
Employees hired on or after July 1, 2015 are not eligible for UNM retiree medical and dental benefits.
2027 Plan Year
2026 Plan Year
- 2026 Retiree (Medical and) Dental Rates
- 2026 Retiree Open Enrollment Guide
- 2026 Low Cost Option Summary
- 2026 High Cost Option Summary
- 2026 Summary Comparison of Dental Plan Options
- How to Read Your Explanation of Benefits
- 2026 Retiree Medical & Dental Benefits Change Form
- 2026 UNM Notice of Privacy Practices
When and How to Make Changes to Your Dental Coverage
Medicare-Eligible Retirees have the following opportunities to make changes:
- During the annual Open Enrollment period, typically held in October/November, make changes to existing coverage by completing the Open Enrollment Change Form.
- When you experience a Qualifying Change in Status, make changes to existing coverage via the UNM Retiree Medical & Dental Benefits Change Form.
If you are enrolling dependents, be prepared to provide “proof documentation”. Some Examples of Dependent Proof Documents are available here. Deadlines for submission of these documents vary in accordance with the enrollment opportunities listed above. See the Medicare-Eligible Retiree Open Enrollment Guide for document submission options.
Using Your Dental Benefits
Make an appointment with your chosen dentist office, inform them you are a Delta Dental member, and provide your UNM Banner ID number (not your social security number).
For out-of-state services, contact Delta Dental directly for coordination and processing of claims.
Contact Information
Delta Dental Benefits Service Department
505.855.7111877.395.9420, Press 2
customerservice@deltadentalnm.com
deltadentalnm.com/
Delta Dental Mobile App
Visit the App Store (Apple) or Google Play (Android), search for Delta Dental, and download the mobile app
Benefits & Employee Wellness
505.277.6947
hrbenefits@unm.edu
See HR Contact List for direct links to your designated HR Technician