U
Overview
URS manages retirement benefits and health insurance for Utah public employees. It runs defined benefit pension plans and defined contribution accounts (such as 401(k), 457, and IRA) for 250,000+ members across 700+ employers, and also operates PEHP Health & Benefits for medical, dental, and life insurance. Benefits are paid from trust funds to retirees, disabled, and survivors under a seven‑member board and an executive director. Its goal is to provide stable retirement security for Utah public workers while maintaining the long-term solvency of the unified system after consolidating historic separate plans.
Work here?Claim your company
Simplify's take
What believers are saying
- URS reported a 13% 2025 return, adding $5.3 billion to assets.
- Utah's Tier II plan limits new-employee benefit growth, improving long-term solvency.
- The 2025 ACFR shows diversified plans and a large, stable public employer base.
What critics are saying
- A 6.85% discount rate leaves URS exposed if 2026 returns weaken.
- Legacy defined benefit promises still pressure state and school employers through 2025 liabilities.
- PEHP healthcare inflation can squeeze margins and distract management from pension execution.
What makes Utah Retirement Systems unique
- URS has managed Utah public pensions since 1963 under one statewide board.
- Its 2025 fund reached $53.3 billion, backing 250,000 members across employers.
- PEHP Health & Benefits gives URS a sticky insurance channel beyond pensions.
Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?