Who to call
- Your district's HR office: what your contract pays toward retiree health.
- Office of Employee Benefits: 401-574-8530 (the state plan).
- Via Benefits: 844-448-7298 (if you are on Medicare).
Handbook, p. 37, Retiree Health Plans
Retiree health for most teachers is set by each district's contract, not by ERSRI. Our sources describe only the state's unsubsidized plan.
What would settle it: The teacher's district contract or HR office.
Life insurance
A teacher who had employer life insurance can keep it after retirement by paying the city or town its annual cost. R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-16-42
What our sources say
- Teachers may be able to get retiree health coverage through the Rhode Island Office of Employee Benefits (401-574-8530). If you are on Medicare, Via Benefits (844-448-7298) helps you choose a plan.Handbook, p. 37, Retiree Health Plans
- Most retired teachers get coverage from their own city or town. Teachers who use the state plan pay its full cost, with no state subsidy, and must retire straight from active work.OPEB valuation (June 30, 2025), pp. D-5 to D-6
- File the Retiree Health Coverage Election Form with the Office of Employee Benefits before your last day of work.Handbook, p. 36, What information is required?
- Check with ERSRIYour district's contract decides what it pays toward retiree health. Ask your HR office.OPEB valuation (June 30, 2025), p. D-5District retiree health terms are set locally, not by ERSRI.
Questions
Does ERSRI provide health insurance for retired teachers?
No. ERSRI pays the pension. Retiree health for most teachers comes from their own city, town or district, under its contract. The state's Office of Employee Benefits offers a plan, but teachers who use it pay the full cost.
Who do I call about retiree health?
Your district's HR office first. For the state plan, the Office of Employee Benefits (401-574-8530). On Medicare, Via Benefits (844-448-7298) helps you choose a plan.
Source: ERSRI Membership and Retirement Handbook, 10th edition, June 2020 (with the 2024 Article 12 changes from the Treasurer's guide, July 1, 2024), pp. 36, 37. Also: State OPEB actuarial valuation, June 30, 2025; Rhode Island General Laws. Last reviewed .