Seminars focus on Medicare, HRA

Sign up today for these ‘deep-dive’ health care education opportunities

By Michael Pramik, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

May 16, 2024 – Last fall, we introduced a new education approach that OPERS was taking toward health care. It was designed to provide targeted information, offering retirees the opportunity to gain a specialized understanding of health care topics that may impact where they are in their journey.

To date, the OPERS team has launched education that has focused on the following:

Aging into Medicare

There are a lot of moving parts regarding Medicare, and as your trusted partner, OPERS would like to help you understand your options.

This interactive seminar is intended for retirees who will turn age 65 in the next 15 months. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of the following:

• The different parts of Medicare – Parts A, B, C and D
• How Medicare works and the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medigap/Medicare Supplement plans
• When to enroll in Medicare and how Via Benefits will help
• The Medicare Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) – a monthly deposit that will offset your medical expenses

Understanding your OPERS HRA

Eligible retirees receive a monthly deposit into their Health Reimbursement Arrangement. This opportunity is intended to help Pre-Medicare and Medicare retirees feel more comfortable using their HRA. If you struggle with understanding what an HRA is or how to receive reimbursements, come join us. The seminar has two parts.

• Presentation — This traditional OPERS presentation reviews HRA concepts to increase your understanding of the HRA. Topics covered include HRA basics, eligible expenses, submitting expenses and where to get help.
• Workshop — This hands-on, group workshop walks you through the step-by-step process to download the Via Benefits mobile app, create an online Via Benefits account and even submit an expense.

You can register for these and other OPERS seminars through your OPERS online account. Once logged, click on “Tools and Resources” and then on “Seminars and Counseling” to select a seminar. You also can register by calling OPERS at 800-222-7377.

Seminar dates have been confirmed through June. Refer to the seminars and counseling link in your online account, as well as upcoming OPERS marketing emails, for future events near you.