Q. My husband has been a UCSD faculty for more than 30 years. It is our understanding that upon retirement, he can continue to have full health benefits and I could have the same benefits, as long as I am enrolled in the health program with him at the time of his retirement. However, I joined the UCSD faculty two-and-a-half years ago and I am enrolled in health insurance separately, as this is less expensive than having health insurance through my husband as a spouse. In the event that my husband retires before me, and I do at a later period of time but before I am eligible for retiree health benefits, would I get his full retirement health benefits? A.M., UC San Diego

A. You are correct that your husband will be eligible for medical and dental benefits with 100 percent of the University contribution when he retires. If you retire after him and you are not eligible for retiree health benefits, you would be able to be covered under his insurance based on your loss of coverage as an employee. There are a number of rules connected with this (for example, you have 31 days from your separation date to be added to his plan), so be sure to discuss this issue with your Benefits Office when you terminate employment.

Q. I recently had a conversation with a CalPERS retiree who stated that about two years ago legislation was passed allowing pre-retirees to purchase what he called "air" years, which apparently add time to an employee's years of service. Two questions: Can you explain this to me? Is there a legal provision for members of UCRP to purchase "air" years? W.W., UC Davis

A. CalPERS allows participants the option to purchase up to five years of service credit that is not based on employment. This is commonly referred to as "air time." There are a number of eligibility requirements and special provisions for these service credit purchases (for example, the service can't be used toward eligibility for retiree medical benefits).

UCRP does not allow the purchase of air time, due primarily to concerns about the risk of the increased financial liability associated with such purchases.

Your service credit is available when you sign in to your personal account on At Your Service Online. On the At Your Service home page, select "Sign in to my accounts"; enter your username and password; then select Retirement Estimates. You will see your current service credit on that page.