October is open enrollment for participants in the Optional Retirement Plan for Higher Education (ORPHE). You have the opportunity to change providers, effective with the first payroll in 2022. Open Enrollment occurs annually from October 1 to October 31. All provider changes must be completed in your myVRS account by October 31, 2021.
Two provider options are available: DCP (record kept by MissionSquare Retirement formerly ICMA-RC) and TIAA. Register for an online open enrollment meeting to learn more about your options during open enrollment.
If you wish to change providers during open enrollment, you can view your options and make a selection in myVRS. Once logged in, the following message will appear on your account home page through October 31, or until you make a provider change:
No action is required if you do not wish to change your provider during the open enrollment period.
Please note that selecting a new provider does not impact your balances. If you wish to transfer balances to your new provider you will need to request a plan-to-plan transfer. For additional information or assistance, please email orphe@varetire.org.
Additional information on the ORPHE plan is located at https://orphe.varetire.org/ and the open enrollment page is located at https://orphe.varetire.org/plan-details/open-enrollment.html and FAQs at https://orphe.varetire.org/plan-details/open-enrollment.html#collapse3