There were six candidates for the active member vacancy on the NDPERS Board. Votes were canvassed on June 12 by the Election Subcommittee, which shared the results with the NDPERS Board the next day.

The Board moved to approve the results and welcomed Tyler Erickson as the newest Board member. Tyler will join the board for a five-year term starting July 1, 2023.

Tyler, who is an attorney with the ND Insurance Department, brings years of experience in the public sector. He appreciates the opportunity to assist the NDPERS Board in overseeing the benefits of public servants.

Mona Rindy, Chair of the NDPERS Board, thanked Jason Grueneich, former board member, for his time and dedication to the Board.

Your life insurance coverage and premiums will change on July 1, 2023, after the recent contract was awarded to the current carrier, Voya.

What are the changes for employee coverage?

1. The employer sponsored basic life insurance will increase from $7,000 to $12,000, at no additional cost.
2. The monthly premium for your supplemental life insurance will decrease as a result of the basic coverage increasing. Find your new rate on the life insurance premium rates table.
3. The guarantee issue limit will also increase from $200,000 to $300,000.
4. The new maximum total employee life insurance, or supplemental coverage above the guarantee issue limit, will increase from $400,000 to $600,000. This level of coverage is subject to medical underwriting and approval from Voya.

The Governor signed the following bills passed by the 68^th Legislative Assembly.

Closure of the Main Retirement Plan to new members

HB 1040 closes the main retirement plan to new employees and requires these employees to join a newly created Defined Contribution (DC) Plan.

The implementation date is yet to be finalized. NDPERS will notify employers and members once the decision between the two possible dates – January 1, 2024 or January 1, 2025 – is final.

HB 1040 also injects $200 million into the Main plan fund and increases the employer contribution rates by one percent starting January 1, 2024. Additionally, the State will pay the Actuarially Determined Employer Contribution (ADEC) rate for both state and participating political subdivisions starting on January 1, 2026.

Expands the definition of state peace officer

HB 1183 expands the definition of Peace Officer. By expanding the definition of peace officer, the newly eligible employees will become participants in the State Public Safety Retirement Plan.

Creates a new State Public Safety Retirement Plan Tier

HB 1309 changes the contribution and vesting schedule as well as implements a new retirement benefit multiplier based upon years of service for peace officers employed by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI).

Implements a $25 Insulin Cap Temporary Pilot Program to the NDPERS Health Insurance

SB 2140 establishes a pilot program that enhances the health insurance coverage of insulin and related medical supplies starting July 1, 2023, and ending on June 30, 2025.

The bill implements a $25 cost share limit per thirty-day (30) supply of insulin and medical supplies for members of the Grandfathered and Non-grandfathered PPO/Basic Plans. 

Members participating in the High Deductible Health Plan must meet their deductible before the $25 insulin cap applies to their claims.

Questions? Contact Sanford Health Plan at 800.499.3416 with questions on coverage.