Alaska § 39.35.870 - Eligibility for retirement and medical benefits.
Full text of Alaska Alaska Statutes § 39.35.870 — Eligibility for retirement and medical benefits., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 39.35.870. Eligibility for retirement and medical benefits.
(a) In order to obtain medical benefits under AS 39.35.880 , an active member must retire directly from the plan. A member is eligible to retire from the plan if the member has been an active member for at least 12 months before application for retirement and (1) the member has at least 25 years of membership service as a peace officer or firefighter or at least 30 years of membership service for all other employees; or
(2) the member reaches the normal retirement age and has at least 10 years of membership service.
(b) The normal retirement age is the age set for Medicare eligibility at the time the member retires.
(c) A member's surviving spouse is eligible to elect medical benefits under AS 39.35.880 if the member had retired, or was eligible for retirement and medical benefits at the time of the member's death.
(d) Members shall apply for retirement and medical benefits on the forms and in the manner prescribed by the administrator.
(e) Participation in the retiree major medical insurance plan is not required in order to participate in the health reimbursement arrangement.
(f) A person eligible for retirement and medical benefits is not required to participate in the health reimbursement arrangement in order to participate in the retiree major medical insurance plan.
(g) An eligible person must make the irrevocable election to participate or not participate in the retiree major medical insurance plan by reaching 70 1/2 years of age, or upon application for retirement and medical benefits, whichever is later.
Source: official Alaska text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alaska § 39.35.870
What does Alaska Statutes § 39.35.870 cover?
Section 39.35.870 ("Eligibility for retirement and medical benefits.") is part of the Alaska Statutes, the codified statutory law of Alaska. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alaska § 39.35.870?
A common citation format is "Alaska Statutes § 39.35.870" (Alaska). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alaska law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alaska official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alaska attorney.
How does Alaska § 39.35.870 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alaska can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alaska.