All health plan premiums are deducted on a pre-tax basis unless specifically declined by an individual employee. The vision care plan provides for one examination and pair of eyeglasses for you and each eligible dependent every twenty-four months. Coverage is effective after four weeks of service. There are some participating dentists who accept the allowances as payment in full for covered services. Coverage is effective after six months of service.
Election is optional for temporary and part-time employees.
Retirement is possible at age 55 with certain pension reductions, or at age 55 with 30 years of service and no reduction. Members who terminate employment with the equivalent of at least five years of full-time credited service are vested in the system and are, therefore, entitled to a retirement allowance upon reaching age 55. Members who terminate employment with less than the equivalent of ten years full-time service credit may ask for a refund of their own contributions when they leave state service. The State makes appropriate annual contributions to provide a pension. All employees are covered by Social Security.