OPERS celebrates 90th anniversary

Mission of providing secure retirement benefits continues into 10^th decade

By Michael Pramik, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

July 31, 2025 – OPERS is celebrating 90 years of proudly providing secure retirement benefits for Ohio’s public employees.

OPERS was established in 1935, becoming the first statewide retirement system in the United States to create a comprehensive schedule of benefits for all covered employees: survivor, disability, service retirement, benefit vesting and refunds.

Here are several highlights in OPERS history:

• 1933: Gov. George White signs the bill authorizing establishment of the retirement system, effective Jan. 1., 1935.
• 1935: OPERS begins operations as the State Employees Retirement System.
• 1938: The first pension check is distributed, to Mary Morrison, for $106.07.
• 1938: The name changes to the Public Employees Retirement System to reflect expansion to include counties, municipalities, health departments and parks.
• 1950: Survivor benefits and disability benefits are added
• 1970: The first cost-of-living adjustment is issued to members
• 1970: OPERS moves to a new, three-story building on Town Street
• 1974: OPERS begins offering health care coverage to retirees
• 1975: A law enforcement division is added
• 1997: OPERS launches its website, www.opers.org
• 2003: Our name changes to the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System, and we open our new office at 277 E. Town St.
• 2009: The OPERS Board of Trustees adopts plan design changes to strengthen the fund and continue providing health care
• 2012: The Ohio General Assembly passes pension redesign legislation
• 2013: The new plan design becomes effective on Jan. 7
• 2016: The OPERS Medicare Connector begins operations
• 2018: The health care administrator changes its name to Via Benefits
• 2022: OPERS changes pre-Medicare health care to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement model
• 2025: OPERS celebrates its 90^th anniversary

As we have for our first 90 years, we will continue to take actions that position OPERS as a strong, financially stable pension system. Our dedicated Board of Trustees and OPERS management and staff share a commitment to act in the best interest of all members, ensuring prudent stewardship of public funds and proactive preparation for future challenges.

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.