At retirement (or termination) vested members may elect to continue health insurance coverage in the insurance program in which they were enrolled in prior to termination of employment. This can be the Oklahoma State and Education Employees Group Insurance Plan or a private health insurance plan provided by the local school district, college or university. Dependent and dental coverage is available when you are enrolled in the Oklahoma State and Education Employees Group Insurance Plan. If your insurance plan is not the state plan, dependent coverage is subject to the provisions of the specific plan.
TRS will pay the first $100 to $105 of monthly premiums for each participating retiree (not dependents). The actual amount paid by TRS is determined by your total service and average salary at retirement (74 O.S. § 1316.3). If you are enrolled in the state plan, TRS deducts the balance of monthly premiums, including dependent coverage, and forwards your premiums and the TRS supplement to the insurance plan. When you are covered by an employer health insurance plan other than the state plan, the TRS monthly premium supplement is paid directly to the local employer on your behalf, but TRS cannot deduct the balance of premiums from your monthly benefit check.
Non-vested members who terminate employment have certain rights under federal law to continue health insurance coverage after employment ends.
Every retiring or terminating member should request information about continued coverage from the local school's payroll office or the Oklahoma State and Education Employees Group Insurance Board before termination.
