Texas A&M University System offers two, mandatory, retirement programs. Employees are automatically enrolled in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) plan upon employment. Depending on your position, you may have a one-time opportunity to enroll in the Optional Retirement Program (ORP).
Texas A&M System offers valuable information about both programs, including requirements and planning guides and other forms, on their Retirement Program page.
Texas A&M Retirement Program webpage
You can directly explore your retirement benefits, including the Retiree Benefits Guidebook, here:
Retirement Eligibility
Under current state law, if you were employed in a benefits-eligible position with the A&M System on August 31, 2003, you are eligible to participate in the Texas A&M System group insurance plan as a retiree and receive the employer contribution toward your premiums as a retiree when:
- you are at least age 55 and have at least five years of TRS or ORP service credit, or your age plus years of service equal at least 80, or you have at least 30 years of service, and
- 3 of those years of service are with the Texas A&M System, and
- the A&M System is your last state employer, and
- you have an intact TRS or ORP account.*
If the Texas A&M System hired you in a benefits-eligible position after August 31, 2003, or if you left the Texas A&M System employment before August 31, 2003, and did not meet the criteria listed above as of August 31, 2003, you are eligible to participate in the Texas A&M System group insurance plan as a retiree and receive the employer contribution toward your premiums as a retiree when:
- you are at least age 65 and have at least ten years of TRS or ORP service credit, or your age plus years of service equal at least 80, and you have ten years of service credit, and
- 10 of those years of service are with the A&M System, and
- the Texas A&M System is your last state employer, and
- you have an intact TRS or ORP account.*
*An intact TRS account is one that has not been withdrawn. An intact ORP account is a 403(b) account containing funds that can be tied to your Texas ORP account.
Retiree Resources
Medicare
Upon turning 65, you become eligible for Medicare. Retirees eligible for Medicare must enroll in Parts A (hospitalization) and B (medical). Medicare will pay as your primary insurance, and your Texas A&M health insurance will pay as a secondary policy. You have the option to move to the 65 Plus Plan upon enrolling in Medicare. To switch to the 65 Plus plan, you must provide a copy of your Medicare ID card to Engineering Human Resources.
MedicareWork/Life Solutions by GuidanceResources
The Texas A&M University System proudly offers Work/Life Solutions to eligible employees. These programs usually offer in-person and telephonic counseling services and training and have resources to help employees deal with all kinds of stressful issues, from parenting to the death of a loved one to conflicts at work. Contact ComPsych GuidanceResources with the information below.
WEBID: TAMUS
Phone Number for Retirees - 1-833-306-0105