Rebecca Fricke, who has worked at the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System since December of 1995, was appointed in February 2024 by the NDPERS Board to serve as their Executive Director. As a fellow member of North Dakota United, we asked Rebecca to answer some questions about herself and the important role her agency plays in providing retirement benefits, health insurance and other vital services to public workers and their families.
Q: First, could you tell us a little about yourself and what you and your staff do here at NDPERS?
A: My start at NDPERS was as the front desk receptionist, which allowed me the opportunity to quickly learn about the benefits offered through NDPERS as I answered incoming phone calls on our main office line. My role quickly transitioned to be the first member service representative of the agency, as we pivoted to a call center where a majority of questions could be answered upon first contact. From here, there were many different positions within the Benefits team, each allowing me to gain knowledge and experience on the administration of the NDPERS benefits.
I have considered myself very fortunate to be able to develop a career of 28 years (and counting) working in so many different capacities. Every single role I had allowed me to gain a greater appreciation of the importance in providing quality benefits to the dedicated employees and retirees of the State of North Dakota and its political subdivisions.
Looking ahead for NDPERS, I truly am excited to serve the NDPERS membership as our office administers their benefits. We have a great team at the office, one I am privileged to lead, working together to achieve our mission.
Q: Can you provide a brief overview of the mission and objectives of the North Dakota Public Employee Retirement System (NDPERS)?
The mission of the NDPERS office is to: “Champion the health and financial security of our members by providing comprehensive, innovative retirement and insurance benefit solutions through collaboration and personalized support.”
Q: Can you share your thoughts on the importance of role that you and your staff at NDPERS play in helping to provide quality public services to all North Dakotans?
A: I’m really proud to be part of this fabulous team that provides benefits to state and political subdivision employees across the State. The work that we do is important in that it allows those state and political subdivision employees to focus on the work that they need to do for the citizens of North Dakota without worrying about whether they have insurance that will help cover their medical needs if an accident occurs, or if an unfortunate medical situation arises, or whether they’ll be able to retire someday and have funds to sustain them.
Q: How has NDPERS evolved over the years to help meet the changing needs of public employees and retirees?
A: Within the defined-benefit retirement plan, referred to as the Main plan, there’s been features added throughout the years to make the benefit more portable for short-term employees while ensuring the benefit is viable for long-term employees. It’s why we refer to it as a “hybrid” plan.
More recently, the Legislative Assembly passed HB 1040, which closes the Main plan to future new hires as of Jan. 1, 2025, and requires their participation in the Defined-Contribution Plan. This change was driven in-part due to a concern of legislators that the Main plan was not as attractive to younger employees that may be interested in taking employment within the state. In passing this legislation, the legislators ensured that existing employees and retirees would not be impacted by this change and also provided funding necessary to get the Main plan to be fully funded in 30 years. This funding is critical to ensure that the benefits promised to existing employees and retirees are received.
We also provide access to supplemental savings for retirement through our Deferred Compensation plan, which allows participants to set aside pre-tax funds to save for retirement.
From an insurance perspective, throughout the years, we have expanded the types of insurances that we offer to include not just health insurance, but life, dental and vision insurances. We also offer a high deductible health insurance plan that includes a health savings account for state employees.
NDPERS administers flexible benefits to allow employees to set funds aside on a pre-tax basis for eligible medical and dependent care coverage. We have an employee assistance program to help state employees and their families with life problems that counseling may assist with.
Q: What are the biggest challenges facing the system currently, and how is your agency addressing them?
A: In 2024, our biggest challenge is ensuring that the transition from the Main plan to the Defined Contribution plan for new hires on or after Jan. 1, 2025, is completed and the provisions of HB 1040 implemented.
We have heard from states that have gone through similar transitions, that they had at least 2-3 years to implement changes of this magnitude. NDPERS is on a tighter 18-month schedule and is daily working on what is needed to get this change done.
Otherwise, I’d say that given HB 1040 provided the funding mechanism to ensure that the Main plan is funded in 30 years, that our other challenges are to ensure that we are providing quality, competitive benefits at an affordable price.
Q: With the recent change by the Legislature to switch from offering the defined-benefit retirement plan to defined-contribution for newly hired public employees, what are some tips you would offer to those employees and retirees who will stay in the DB plan?
A: I don’t know if they would be considered tips, but I would say that HB 1040, the bill that makes this change included the funding mechanism to ensure that the defined benefit plan becomes fully funded in 30 years. This is important as it will ensure that the existing employees and retirees receive the lifetime benefits that they are entitled to. Otherwise, the biggest tip I’d have is to do as much supplemental saving and investing as early as you can possibly do. With inflation and the rising cost of insurance and medical services, it’s important!
Q: What resources and support are available through NDPERS to help public employees make informed decisions about their retirement and health insurance options?
A: NDPERS has a great team that is here to answer your questions about your NDPERS benefits. We have a member services team that receives our incoming calls and can assist with a variety of common questions. For those questions that are more unique or specific, the representative will refer the member to the appropriate staff who is best able to with their questions.
We also have information about our benefits on our website at www.ndpers.nd.gov. Members have access to our self-service online portal to view their specific benefits details.
