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Employers Manual
Service Retirement for Defined Benefit Plan Members
Health Care Coverage
Service retirement benefit recipients who meet certain eligibility requirements
can enroll in an STRS Ohio-sponsored health care plan. Health care is not
a guaranteed benefit, and STRS Ohio rules and policies relating to health
care plans, premiums and eligibility are subject to change.
STRS Ohio offers access to a variety of health care plan options including indemnity, preferred provider organizations (PPOs) and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) plans. Benefit recipients pay a premium for coverage under STRS Ohio hospital-medical health care plans. Coverage begins the effective date of retirement or the first of the month following receipt of the retirement application, whichever is later. If the benefit recipient does not elect coverage when benefits first begin, coverage can begin later but certain restrictions apply.
A benefit recipient’s eligibility for these health care plans depends on years of service, Medicare status and place of residence. The STRS Ohio hospital-medical plans take Medicare benefits into consideration before paying medical claims. Persons who are eligible must enroll in both Medicare Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) insurance through Social Security.
Eligible dependents may enroll in an STRS Ohio-sponsored health plan for a monthly premium.
Optional dental and vision plans are also available to benefit recipients and eligible dependents. Enrollees in these plans are responsible for paying the monthly premiums.
Members who have questions about STRS Ohio health care should call the Member Services Center toll-free at 1-888-227-7877.
