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STRS Ohio Optional Health Care
Plan Information All information displayed in the STRS Ohio Optional Health Care section applies only to benefit recipients in the Defined Benefit and Combined Plans. |
| Selecting Your Plan Why Choose STRS Ohio for Your Health Care Needs? Focused Experience Premium Subsidy Access for You and Your Family Broad Coverage No Need for Medicare Part D Choice No Preexisting Condition Limitations, No Underwriting Set Annual Premiums Quality Personalized Planning and Convenience
Partners in Health When you enroll in the STRS Ohio Health Care Program, you gain a partner in health. To benefit from this partnership, it’s important to understand STRS Ohio’s role and your role in the health care program. STRS Ohio’s Role Financial — As your health partner, STRS Ohio provides you and your family access to health care coverage for a monthly premium. We also provide partial Medicare Part B premium reimbursement to eligible benefit recipients enrolled in Medicare Part B, and premium assistance to qualifying low-income benefit recipients. In addition, prescription drug coverage is included in all of the health care plans we sponsor. This means you don’t need to purchase supplemental prescription drug coverage, such as Medicare Part D. Managing Your Health — All of the health care plans we offer include hospital, medical and prescription drug coverage so you can access the services you need to manage your health. In addition, prescription drug coverage includes convenient retail and mail-order programs. Although STRS Ohio does not administer the plans or make benefit determinations, we’re here to assist you if issues arise. STRS Ohio provides access to disease management programs for Aetna and Medical Mutual enrollees without Medicare Part A, at no additional cost, to help those with chronic conditions manage and improve their health. These conditions include congestive heart failure, diabetes, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other chronic conditions such as end-stage renal disease, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, STRS Ohio is a member of the Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit patient safety organization dedicated to reducing preventable medical errors and improving the quality and value of health care. Your Role Financial — As a health partner, you pay a monthly premium for health care coverage. You also pay other out-of-pocket expenses for hospital care, medical services and prescription drugs. These expenses may include an annual deductible, coinsurance and copayments. As a health care consumer, you can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses by using network providers, participating pharmacies and generic drugs whenever possible. In addition, you will lower your monthly STRS Ohio health care premium by signing up for Medicare when you turn age 65 or whenever you become eligible. Managing Your Health — You can reduce your need for health care services by maintaining and improving your health. By using preventive services, your doctor can detect serious health problems before you have symptoms. In addition, proper diet and exercise, such as walking, are key to overall good health. If you already have a chronic health condition, disease management programs can help you maintain and improve your health. Other steps you can take to manage your health include not smoking, limiting alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight and reducing stress levels. By managing and improving your health, you can reduce your visits to the doctor and your need for prescription drugs. This will save you money, extend the solvency of the health care program and help you enjoy a healthier retirement. |
