Pursuant to NAC 287.135, retirees are eligible to receive the Public Employees’ Benefit Program (PEBP) health insurance plan in retirement. To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:

• Have participated in either the Retirement Plan Alternative 401(a) program, or the Public Employees' Retirement Plan of Nevada System for at least five years as a full-time employee or the equivalent of a full-time employee.
• Have initiated distribution of retirement benefits from one of the following retirement plans:
  • The Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS)
  • Nevada System of Higher Education Retirement Plan Alternative Program 401(a)
  • Nevada System of Higher Education Tax Sheltered Annuity Program 403(b)
  • State of Nevada Deferred Compensation Program (457)

Initial Start of Retiree Coverage

The initial start of coverage is the first day of the month if the retirement date is on the first; otherwise, the initial start of coverage begins on the first of the month following the retirement date. For example, if your retirement date is June 7, your coverage will begin July 1. If your retirement date is July 1, your coverage will begin that day.

Retirement Benefits

The Public Employees Benefits Program (PEBP) offers a comprehensive benefit package to eligible retirees and surviving spouses/domestic partners of these retirees. For employees who are not eligible for Medicare, the retiree health insurance plan is the same coverage, with exception of life insurance that is available as an active employee and will continue to be your primary insurance until you qualify for Medicare (generally age 65). Once you are 65 and a retiree (or a covered spouse/domestic partner of a retiree), the PEBP requires you to enroll in Medicare. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will determine your eligibility for Medicare. You may be eligible to receive an Exchange Health Reimbursement Arrangement through VIA Benefits. For further information, please review the PEBP website.

Phase-In Retirement

For information about phase-in retirement, including eligibility, application process, and deadlines, visit the Phase-In Retirement page.

Employees who participate in any of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) mandatory retirement plans (RPA, PERS and FICA Alternative) do not contribute the 6.2% deduction into the federal insurance contribution act (FICA) payroll tax. There is also no employer contribution into FICA. This means that while employed for the NSHE, you will not be gaining any FICA service credits from NSHE.

As a result, employees who qualify to receive Social Security benefits and also receive retirement income from the university may see a reduction in Social Security benefits. This is called the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). WEP reduces your Social Security benefit but will not eliminate it. For more information, visit the Social Security Website.