Changes are coming soon to the rules for qualification for retiree insurance coverage.

Currently, an individual may retire with health insurance coverage provided by the state of Texas if he or she: a) is 55 or older, b) has completed 10 years of creditable retirement service (a total of 10 years of state employment while paying into the Teacher Retirement System or Optional Retirement Program without withdrawing any of those deposits) and c) has had 10 years of employment with an employer (such as UNT) that participates in the Uniform Group Insurance Program. Or an individual may retire with health insurance coverage provided by the state of Texas if he or she meets the Rule of 80, which stipulates that an employee's age plus his or her TRS or ORP years of creditable service equal 80 or more.

But beginning Sept. 1, the retirement age requirement for those who do not meet the Rule of 80 will increase from 55 to 65.

Employees who will be between the ages of 55 and 64 by Aug. 31 and who meet the current retirement requirements may want to consider the options available to them if they choose to retire prior to Sept. 1 and exercise their current eligibility to enroll in the state's retiree insurance program. An individual may retire under the insurance program without drawing his or her retirement annuity from TRS or ORP. Those seeking more information may contact the benefits office at (940) 565-4250 to schedule an appointment with a benefits representative who can discuss the employee's options.

According to UNT's Human Resources Department, all retiree insurance benefits, including employer premium contributions and eligibility for program participation, are subject to legislative action and subsequent changes to qualification rules may occur. There is no absolute lifetime commitment to retiree insurance benefits.