Effective January 1, 2025, the Municipal Phase Down Program (MPDP) shall be established to provide municipal (civilian) employees, who meet eligibility criteria, a voluntary retirement option, to realize financial savings on their health benefits insurance rates.
Municipal Phase Down Program
To meet the eligibility criteria of the MPDP, the employee shall:
- be deemed eligible to retire under the Houston Municipal Employee Pension System guidelines;
- be at least sixty (60) years of age; and
- not be Medicare eligible.
Eligible employees electing to participate in the MPDP shall be entitled to pay active employee insurances rates for up to five (5) years or until the employee is Medicare eligible, whichever occurs first. Prior to entering the voluntary retirement option, an employee shall be required to submit a voluntary irrevocable election notifying the City of the employee’s desire to retire from employment with the City of Houston.
The Mayor may limit the annual number of participates in the MPDP program with written notice to HOPE and employees no later than December 1st each year of this Agreement.
Employees who wish to enroll in the Municipal Phase Down Program, shall use the following steps to enroll in the program:
Employee submits a Request to Retire with HMEPS.
Note: It is highly recommended the employee initiate the retirement process with HMEPS at least 90 to 120 calendar days prior to the effective date of their retirement with the City, if they are interested in entering the MPDP.
Between 30 - 60 calendar days prior to the employee’s last day of active service with the City of Houston, the employee shall complete and submit the Municipal Phase Down Program (MPDP) Election form to their department’s Shared Services Liaison.
The MPDP form is irrevocable, and notary of the form is required. To access the MPDP Election Form, use the provided link or reach out to your department’s MPDP Liaison.
Employee shall contact their HR Benefits representative to submit and complete any required retirement benefit election forms.
If you have any questions, regarding the Municipal Phase Down Program, please contact your department’s MPDP Liaison or your HR-Benefits Liaison.
