Survivor Benefits

Access to Optional Health Care Coverage
Most survivor benefit recipients and their eligible dependents have access to health care coverage. Survivors receiving retirement-based benefits are eligible for access to health care coverage provided the member had at least 15 years of service credit.

Non-Ohio-valued credit (credit purchased to obtain retirement eligibility only) cannot be used to determine medical premiums.

The STRS Ohio Health Care Program is authorized by Chapter 3307 of the Ohio Revised Code, which may be amended at any time by the Ohio General Assembly. Furthermore, coverage under the program may be modified or eliminated at any time by the State Teachers Retirement Board. Health care coverage is not guaranteed. STRS Ohio hopes to continue the program indefinitely, but reserves the right to change or discontinue all or part of the program for all or a class of eligible benefit recipients and covered dependents at any time. Premium amounts, copayments, deductibles and all other charges or fees paid by an enrollee may change from year to year. You can view the current optional health care plan information in the Optional Health Care section.