How Do I Set Up Insurance Payee under HELPS?
First, you must determine if you meet the criteria. If you wish to make this election, the amount is directly transferred by TMRS to an insurer. To qualify for this program, you have to have separated from service as a “public safety officer” (see definition below).
Retired public safety officers may elect to have a monthly amount deducted from their TMRS benefit payment to pay for health care or long-term care insurance premiums. If you qualify, the amount you may deduct from taxable income on your tax return may not exceed $3,000 in one year.
Your last employing city will need to certify your status as a public safety officer for you to get this benefit.
To start having these payment deductions made, you’ll need to file the Application for Insurance Premium Deductions for Retired Public Safety Officers (TMRS_HLPS) form. More info>>
Definition of “public safety officers” under the terms of the PPA
- Individuals involved in crime and juvenile delinquency control or reduction, or enforcement of the criminal laws (including juvenile delinquency), including but not limited to police, corrections, probation, parole, and judicial officers.
- Professional firefighters
- Officially recognized or designated:
- Public employee members of a rescue squad or ambulance crew
- Chaplains of fire departments and police departments