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.
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.
I’m under the Member Directed Plan. If I cash out my retirement when I retire, what happens to my HRA account?
P,
As a Member-Directed Plan participant, you have a Retiree Medical Account, or RMA. This account may be used to reimburse eligible medical expenses and insurance premiums incurred after you begin receiving a distribution from the Member-Directed Plan, whether through a refund or a monthly benefit.
Once you are eligible to access the account, you may submit reimbursement claims through the third-party administrator OPERS uses to manage the RMA. You may continue to submit eligible expenses until the account balance is exhausted. Your vested percentage in the RMA is determined by your contributing service and your start date in the plan.
Do I have to come to Columbus to start to receive my pension?
Dotsy,
You are not required to travel to Columbus to begin receiving your pension. We do offer virtual appointments and phone appointments for your convenience, or in-person counseling in our Columbus office if you need assistance. You also may apply through your online account on your own, and our representatives are available by phone to assist you with questions and guide you through the application process.
Is there a graph somewhere on your site that shows annual gains and losses pertaining to my OPERS investments? Thank you!
Kim,
You can find that information in our annual financial reports on the OPERS website.