Dependents who are covered by medical, dental and/or vision insurance at the time of an employee or retiree’s death may remain enrolled in UT insurance if:
- The employee/retiree had five years of service credit with the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) or Optional Retirement Program (ORP) prior to the time of death, AND
- Three of the five years were with The University of Texas System.
Surviving dependents may continue UT insurance until they no longer meet the definition of dependent, become eligible for similar benefits elsewhere or fail to pay the full cost of premiums. If coverage is terminated due to non-payment, surviving dependents are not eligible to re-enroll in UT insurance at any point.
Surviving dependents may participate in Annual Enrollment each year. Changes made during Annual Enrollment are effective September 1.
When the Office of Talent & Innovation is notified of an employee or retiree’s death, continuation of coverage information will be sent to the eligible surviving dependents. Surviving dependents are not eligible for UT insurance premium sharing. Dependents are responsible for paying the full cost of the elected insurance coverage. Please contact the Office of Talent & Innovation at 512-499-4587 or hrsp@utsystem.edu for assistance.
Surviving dependents have the same billing process and payment options as retirees. Monthly statements are provided if there is a balance. Any outstanding insurance premiums must be satisfied before dependent coverage begins.
Dependents must submit a new Direct Debit Agreement to have insurance premium payments automatically debited.
Dependents who are not eligible to continue UT insurance as surviving dependents may be eligible for COBRA coverage.
