Answers to OPERS member questions

This month: We address required minimum distribution, health care issues

By Michael Pramik, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

April 23, 2026 – Members and retirees often ask us questions through our social media channels that others could benefit from. Periodically we post these questions and answers in our PERSpective blog.

Q: I will turn 73 soon. As a rehired retiree, I received an OPERS Money Purchase account during my re-employment. Is the money accrued in this account subject to the required minimum distribution requirement?

A: Yes. You will be subject to the RMD if you are not actively contributing and you reach the applicable age established by the Internal Revenue Code Section 401(a)(9).

Q: I took an OPERS partial lump-sum option payment, and now I receive my normal pension. Do I have a required minimum distribution amount I need to take out every month? I’ve used my PLOP money elsewhere, and the IRS is asking what the RMD amount is that I am getting from OPERS.

A: You are subject to the RMD only if you are not receiving a distribution and you reach the applicable age established by the Internal Revenue Code Section 401(a)(9).

Q: I was working outside of the system before becoming an OPERS member. How can I tell which retirement group I’m in – A, B or C?

A: Your retirement group is listed on the Annual Statement of Estimated Benefits that OPERS prepares for you. After signing in to your online account, click “View My Annual Statement Now” under Notifications on the account home page. You also can locate the statement under the “Documents, Document History” section in your account. Unless you have set your correspondence preference to electronic, you should receive a printed copy in the mail between now and the end of April. The estimates shared in your Annual Statement are calculated based on your group.

Q: When I retired I elected to have my beneficiary – my wife – receive half my pension. Is that amount determined when I retired or the date that I should pass on?

A: The joint life percentage amount was calculated at retirement. The amount is based on the percentage of the benefit amount when you pass.

Q: Will my monthly HRA benefit continue to my husband, who is the joint beneficiary on my OPERS benefit, if I precede him in death? Thank you.

A: Your HRA deposits will end upon your passing, and your spouse as the joint-life beneficiary will not receive additional deposits. However, if there is a remaining HRA balance it will be available for reimbursement claims for up to 24 months after your passing. Your surviving spouse and eligible dependent(s) may submit claims for any eligible expenses incurred by you prior to the date of death or any ongoing expenses incurred by your spouse or eligible dependent(s). Any remaining balance after the 24-month period will be forfeited and will be returned to the OPERS Health Care Fund. 

Q: Where can I find the Statement of Employment and Earnings form for disability beneficiaries?

A: The Statement of Employment and Earnings form is now electronic and can be found on the home page of your online account, under the Notifications section, or under the Documents, Document History menu.

Q: Does OPERS have a list of vision providers?

A: Individual vision providers are available on MetLife’s website, at www.metlife.com/opers

Q: I start my retirement soon. When should I receive my first benefit payment?

A: The issuance of your first benefit payment is within eight business days from the date that we receive all required paperwork for processing, or the benefit effective date, whichever is later.