Disability Benefit

Access to Optional Health Care Coverage
A disability benefit recipient may choose to participate in the STRS Ohio Health Care Program* by paying a premium for this coverage.

A disability benefit recipient’s eligible dependents may also enroll in an STRS Ohio health care plan for additional premiums. Eligibility, coverage levels and the cost of the STRS Ohio Health Care Program are determined by the Retirement Board.

Premiums are automatically deducted from disability benefits and are deducted after taxes. An assistance program that includes both lower monthly premiums for health care coverage and lower out-of-pocket costs is available for eligible disability benefit recipients. Eligibility is based on total family income and total liquid assets. Call toll-free 1-888-227-7877 for more information.

A disability recipient with a benefit effective date on or after Jan. 1, 2004, must have 15 or more years of qualifying service credit to have access to health care coverage if the recipient later applies for service retirement. If the disability effective date was before Jan. 1, 2004, the recipient qualifies for access to health care coverage under the service retirement account as long as there was no break in benefits between the disability benefit and the service retirement benefit.

*The STRS Ohio Health Care Program 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 enrollees.