Covering Your Spouse - When you retire, your spouse is also eligible for State-sponsored healthcare.  You will be responsible for the full cost of your spouse's health care plan, regardless of whether or not your health coverage is paid for by the state.  You and your spouse may choose different health care plans.  The cost of both of your health care premiums will be deducted from your pension check.  Your spouse is only eligible to purchase State-sponsored health coverage as long as the retiree receives a pension or the spouse receives a survivorship pension.