Getting ready for 2026

OPERS website page offers tips to help retirees start off the new year

By Michael Pramik, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

Jan. 8, 2026 – As we welcome in the new year, it’s a good time for OPERS retirees to review their accounts.

Our “Get Ready for 2026” website page offers helpful information about several important considerations to be aware of at the first of next year.

Changes in your benefits

Any time there is a change in your monthly benefit amount, we will send you a Statement of Benefit Payment. If you are enrolled in the OPERS vision or dental plan, you may receive a statement in January showing a change in your benefit amount because of coverage changes or changes in premium amounts.

Many retirees will see a change in their pension benefit amount in February because of federal tax changes. Statements of Benefit Payment also will be viewable through your OPERS online account near the end of the month prior to the change taking effect.

2025 IRS documents and withholding

Most benefit recipients review their tax withholdings once they file taxes for the previous year. The best way to do so is through your online account, which allows you to see the impact a change will make on your net monthly benefit amount.

Please consult the IRS or your tax adviser if you have additional tax questions.

2025 IRS Form 1099-R – OPERS will mail the 2025 IRS Form 1099-R by Jan. 31. This document will be available to view and print from your online account beginning on Jan. 20. (Mail delivery duration can vary greatly. Please don’t call to request a duplicate paper form before mid-February.) New this year, the form will be formatted to print on letter-sized paper. Your 1099-R will not provide your vision and dental premium deductions for 2025. If you need this information you can find it on your 2025 OPERS Health Care Premium Receipt, which you can access through your online account.

2025 IRS Form1095-B – The IRS Form 1095-B provides evidence of health care minimum essential coverage. OPERS creates a Form 1095-B for each primary plan participant who met minimum essential coverage requirements in 2025. The IRS requires health plan sponsors to provide access to these forms. OPERS will provide access to this form, but we will not provide a paper copy by mail. The form does not have to be filed with tax returns as it is a reference document that confirms health plan coverage.

In late January, OPERS benefit recipients who participated in the Health Reimbursement Arrangement and/or Retiree Medical Account plans in 2025 will be able to access their Form 1095-B through their online account. Simply log in to your account, access your documents, select Form 1095-B and print it for your records. Additionally, participants can request a copy of this form by calling OPERS.