Move to a Non-Covered Position

Changing Jobs: Actively employed participants who change positions from their covered job to one not eligible for ORP participation must enter the Massachusetts State Employees’ Retirement System (MSERS), if they otherwise meet the requirements for participation in MSERS.

The State Board of Retirement does not recognize years of participation in the ORP for purposes of meeting the ten-year service requirement for vesting in MSERS.

The State Board of Retirement does not accept transfers from the ORP to purchase years of creditable service under MSERS.

The Group Insurance Commission recognizes years of participation in the ORP and years of creditable service in the MSERS for purposes of meeting the ten-year service requirement for post-employment benefits.

Returning to a Covered Position: If a formerly active participant moves to a non-covered position and later accepts a position that is eligible for ORP participation, they would be considered a newly eligible employee and entitled to an election period during which they would choose their (prospective) retirement plan coverage: ORP or MSERS.