OPERS releases December health care video
The Ohio Public Employees Retirement System has released the latest monthly health care chat with OPERS Health Care Director Marianne Steger.
In the December video, Steger addresses questions that members have sent to us via the PERSpective blog. She covers topics related to the OPERS Medicare Connector, including veterans benefits and how “snowbirds” will sign up for coverage. There also is a discussion about long-term care insurance.
You can click here to access the video, which we’ve posted on our YouTube channel.
Michael Pramik
Michael Pramik is communication strategist for the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System and editor of the PERSpective blog. As an experienced business journalist, he clarifies complex pension policies and helps members make smart choices to secure their retirement.
Closed Caption for this health care video has several transcription errors and does not do a good job reflecting what is actually being said. Please pay more attention to the closed caption area.
Thanks.
Cheryl,
Thanks for noticing. That is an issue with YouTube. We have nothing to do with it. However, we typically remove this feature and will do so in the future.
–Ohio PERS
I am completing the 2015 Health Care Coverage Application. My first month of retirement was December, 2014. Do I need to provide the same documentation that OPERS recently received from me to complete this application, since there have not been any changes?
Sheila,
If you are already enrolled in health care coverage, you don’t need to submit anything else.
–Ohio PERS
Hi, Michael. I have been on the OneExchange website to explore what they have in terms of Medigap Plan F. I have found five options, none of which include dental or vision coverage. Will those things be available through what we are to be offered?
Thanks,
Linda
Linda,
OPERS will continue to provide that coverage for those retirees who can’t find it through the Connector.
–Ohio PERS
I am a Group A member for a pension. I already have 25 years and am 48 years old(October 2014), so I can retire and draw my pension. I find myself now needing 30 years for Health care. My question is this. If I retire before I have 30 years for Health care but am re-employed in a PERS job would these post retirement years worked in PERS count toward accumulating my 30 for Health Care prior to age 60.
Anyone with input would be appreciated.
Don,
No, service time accumulated after you retire does not count toward health care eligibility.
–Ohio PERS
My spouse is a diabetic. Currently we have a zero co- pay for her insulin and her diabetic supplies. Will that continue under the Humana Plan. We are participants in the Medical Mutual Heath management programs, will they continue under Humana. My spouse is eligible for Medicare A and B, as of 01/01/2015.
Michael,
We recommend that you ask Humana. Your options for coverage will increase when you choose your own plan through the OPERS Medicare Connector.
–Ohio PERS
I have several residents that do not have family to help them. If a retiree is in a long term care facility which plan would work best for them?
Darlene,
OneExchange will help participants find the plan that’s best for them. OneExchange has experience supporting retirees in this situation, and we will be working closely with them to provide support in this area when needed. Social workers also may be brought in to support retirees.
–Ohio PERS