RIPEA's Mission Statement

Improve the quality of life of our members by providing the Relationships, Insurance benefits, Policy-advocacy, and Education needed to retire well from public employment in the Hoosier state.

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 the Public Employees Retirement Fund (PERF), who believed PERF retirees needed a not-for-profit corporation to represent their interests.  Legislature agreed and created RIPEA in 1972 to serve PERF members. PERF is now one of many retirement funds managed by the Indiana Public Retirement System (INPRS).

RIPEA is governed by a board of directors comprised of retirees and active employee members of PERF and other INPRS-managed funds (excluding TRF). Because board members are also retirees, they understand the needs and desires of our members. 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 approximately 40,000 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.

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 group health insurance plans for retirees and/or spouses age 65 or older covered by Medicare A & B. Two of these plans [F and G] are supplemental Medicare plans. There are also 3 Medicare Advantage Plans. All plans have been negotiated by an experienced insurance consultant retained by the RIPEA Insurance Trust.
• 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 care.
• Makes available a stand-alone dental plan through Ameritas.
• Makes available a vision plan through VSP.
• Makes available a hearing plan through Hear in America.
• Represent PERF retirees and active employees with the Indiana Legislature. Lobbyists, paid by RIPEA, provide Legislative representation. These efforts have resulted in annual cost-of living increases and/or a 13th check for retirees.

RIPEA is totally supported by the membership dues paid by members. The organization receives no tax dollars. The dues are $18.00 per year. However, there are two ways to pay your membership dues for only $15.00 per year. They are:

1. Have your membership dues [$15.00] deducted from your January PERF check each year. To do this call the RIPEA office.
2. Have your membership dues [$15.00] automatically charged to your credit or debit card each year by joining or renewing online and choosing the option to "Set Up Recurring Payments".

If you have any questions please call the RIPEA office at 1-800-345-9214 or email us. 

Your support is encouraged, and we are confident you will be pleased with the benefits of being a RIPEA member.