Our Mission:

Offer programs, activities and services that improve the quality of life of its members, serve as facilitator of information to members and act as a medium of communication to the legislative and executive branches of government and PERF employers for the benefit of its members.

RIPEA, acronym for Retired Indiana Public Employees Association, is a not-for-profit corporation created by 1972 Indiana Legislature. RIPEA was the idea of H. B. Shepherd, longtime director of PERF, who believed PERF retirees needed a not-for-profit corporation to represent their interests. The Indiana Legislature agreed and created RIPEA in 1972.

RIPEA is governed by a board of directors comprised of retirees of PERF. Due to the fact the board members are also retirees they understand the needs and desires of the retirees. Brief biographical sketches of each board member is included on this site.

All retirees of PERF receive the benefits of the work done by RIPEA and should be RIPEA members. There are 38,000 RIPEA members.

The Board of Directors in 2006 expanded RIPEA's focus to include representing active employees of PERF. This effort includes sponsoring Legislation that will improve the retirement benefits of active employees. We are optimistic that some results will occur in the 2008 Indiana Legislative Session. We encourage active employees to join RIPEA to support this effort.

RIPEA's activities include:

• Publishes a quarterly newsletter distributed solely to RIPEA members. The newsletter keeps retirees informed on matters of interest to them.
• Sponsors a group health insurance plan for retirees and/or spouses over age 65. This is an excellent insurance plan that has been negotiated by an experienced insurance consultant retained by RIPEA. The premium for this coverage can be deducted from the retiree's PERF check.
• Make available a group life insurance plan for all retirees under age 80. A medical examination is not required.
• Make available a group long-term health care plan for members that protects the retiree from potential exorbitant costs for nursing home or care.
• Makes available a stand-alone prescription drug card through Supervalu that provides a discount on prescription drugs. The cost for the prescription card is $10.00 per year.
• Makes available a stand-alone dental plan through Ameritas.
• Makes available a vision plan through VSP.
• Makes available a hearing plan through Hear PO.
• Makes available an auto/home policy through MetLife.
• Represent PERF retirees and active employees with the Indiana Legislature. A long time lobbyist, paid by RIPEA, provides Legislative representation. These efforts have resulted in annual cost-of living increases for retirees. There is now an emphasis on legislation to improve benefits for active employees.

RIPEA is totally supported by the membership dues paid by members. The organization receives no tax dollars. The dues are $12.00 per year. Your support is encouraged and we are confident you will be pleased with the benefits of being a RIPEA member.