Staying in the plan
MainePERS does not administer any health insurance benefits. Retired teachers who meet the rules may stay in the group health plan for active teachers in their school unit, at the active-teacher rate, and the State pays a percentage of the retired teacher's share of the premium. MainePERS Health Insurance page; After You Retire (2025) p. 2, Health Insurance; 20-A M.R.S. §13451(1)
- Eligible for membership before July 1, 2011: at least 5 years of creditable service, meet the group plan's rules, and participated in the plan for one year immediately before retirement.
- Eligible for membership on or after July 1, 2011: at least 10 years of creditable service, meet the group plan's rules, and participated in the plan for one year immediately before retirement.
20-A M.R.S. §13451(2), (2-D)
The State's share
| From | To | State pays |
|---|---|---|
| before | June 30, 2002 | 30% |
| July 1, 2002 | July 31, 2003 | 35% |
| August 1, 2003 | December 31, 2005 | 40% |
| January 1, 2006 | June 30, 2021 | 45% |
| July 1, 2021 | June 30, 2023 | 55% |
| July 1, 2023 | now | 60% |
The statute says 55% 'from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2023' and 60% 'after July 1, 2023'; it doesn't say which applies on July 1, 2023 itself. The schedule above starts 60% on July 1, 2023. 20-A M.R.S. §13451(3)(A)-(F) and last paragraph
The law sets the State's share (60%) of the retired teacher's share of the premium, but premiums and the retiree's share vary by school unit plan. MainePERS doesn't run health insurance.
What we do: We show the State's 60% share and when it starts, not dollar amounts.
What would settle it: The school unit's or MEA Benefits Trust's retiree premium sheet.Other rules
- A teacher with 25+ years who retires after a break may make a one-time election at retirement to rejoin the teacher group plan; one with 25+ years who leaves without retiring may elect to continue coverage at full cost until retirement. 20-A M.R.S. §13451(2-B), (2-C)
- A reemployed retired teacher keeps the retiree health benefits under 20-A M.R.S. §13451. 5 M.R.S. §17859(2-B)(A)
- Premiums for MainePERS-approved vendors can be deducted from the monthly benefit. MainePERS Health Insurance page
Who to ask
MainePERS lists the Maine Education Association Benefits Trust (888-622-4418, meabt.org) and the State's Division of Employee Health & Benefits as retiree health administrators. Your school business office knows your plan's premiums and rules. MainePERS Health Insurance page
Life insurance in retirement is separate: see retiree group life insurance.
From the sources
- MainePERS doesn't run health insurance. Retired teachers can stay in their school unit's group plan for active teachers, at the active-teacher rate, if they meet the rules.MainePERS Health Insurance page; 20-A M.R.S. §13451(1)
- The State pays 60% of a retired teacher's share of the premium (since July 1, 2023). If you retired after July 1, 2012, the State's share starts when you reach your normal retirement age.20-A M.R.S. §13451(3)
- To keep the group plan you need at least 5 years of service if you became eligible for membership before July 1, 2011 (10 years if on or after), and you must have been in the plan for the year right before retiring.20-A M.R.S. §13451(2), (2-D)
- Check with MainePERSPremiums vary by plan and school unit. Ask your school business office or the Maine Education Association Benefits Trust (888-622-4418).MainePERS Health Insurance page; Ready to Retire (2023) slide 2
Questions
Does MainePERS provide health insurance for retired teachers?
No. MainePERS doesn't run health insurance. Retired teachers who qualify can stay in their school unit's group plan, and the State pays part of the retiree's share of the premium.
How much does the State pay?
60% of the retired teacher's share of the premium (since July 1, 2023). If you retire after July 1, 2012, that starts when you reach your normal retirement age.
Who qualifies?
5 years of service if you were eligible for membership before July 1, 2011, or 10 years if on or after; you must meet the plan's rules and have been in it for the year right before you retire.
Source: MainePERS Benefits for Teachers: Teacher Member Handbook, 2026. Also: MainePERS Health Insurance page; After You Retire (2025); Ready to Retire (2023); 5 M.R.S. § 17859; 20-A M.R.S. § 13451. Last reviewed .