The OPERS Connector, administered by Via Benefits Via Benefits serves as the OPERS Connector for both Pre-Medicare and Medicare-eligible OPERS benefit recipients. When you select an individual Medicare plan through Via Benefits, you can use Via Benefits’ ongoing support for HRA administration, carrier claim resolution and medical plan questions.
Full Answer
Does OPERS pay into Medicare?
OPERS provides a monthly reimbursement for your Medicare Part A premium cost and also provides a 50 percent Medicare Part A premium reimbursement to eligible spouses.
What is an OPERS retiree medical account?
A Retiree Medical Account is an account you can use to pay for qualified health care expenses you incur after you have terminated OPERS-covered employment.
What does Ohio Medicare pay for?
Different parts of Medicare help cover specific services, such as hospital care, doctor's visits, medical supplies, preventive care and prescription drug costs. Visit the official federal government site, Medicare.gov, or call 1-800-633-4227 for general information about Medicare coverage and available plans.
How does Ohio PERS affect Social Security?
Social Security. As a member of OPERS you do not pay into Social Security. OPERS replaces Social Security for Ohio public employees.
Is OPERS retirement for life?
The Traditional Pension Plan is a defined benefit plan that provides fixed, monthly lifetime retirement benefits. Your benefit is determined by a formula that rewards you for working longer – the more years you work, the bigger your monthly payment.
Is OPERS considered a pension?
OPERS members contribute to a pension in lieu of Social Security. Their employers also contribute to their retirement account, in varying amounts depending on the job the employees perform.
Can you have both Medicare and Medicaid in Ohio?
Dual-Benefits: A MyCare Ohio plan provides both the Medicare and Medicaid benefits for members. Members are eligible to receive added benefits of the plan, such as $0 copayments for prescription drugs covered by Medicare, additional transportation services, etc.
Why do doctors not like Medicare Advantage plans?
If they don't say under budget, they end up losing money. Meaning, you may not receive the full extent of care. Thus, many doctors will likely tell you they do not like Medicare Advantage plans because private insurance companies make it difficult for them to get paid for their services.
Who qualifies for free Medicare Part A?
You are eligible for premium-free Part A if you are age 65 or older and you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. You can get Part A at age 65 without having to pay premiums if: You are receiving retirement benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.
Can you collect both Social Security and PERS?
Yes. There is nothing that precludes you from getting both a pension and Social Security benefits.
How much will my Social Security be reduced if I have a state pension?
We'll reduce your Social Security benefits by two-thirds of your government pension. In other words, if you get a monthly civil service pension of $600, two-thirds of that, or $400, must be deducted from your Social Security benefits.
Will my Social Security be reduced if I have a pension?
Does a pension reduce my Social Security benefits? In the vast majority of cases, no. If the pension is from an employer that withheld FICA taxes from your paychecks, as almost all do, it won't affect your Social Security retirement benefits.
OPERS video: Open enrollment via the Connector
The 2017 open enrollment season for the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System officially kicks off Oct. 15. For Medicare-eligible retirees,
Health care open enrollment dates set for 2017
Open enrollment presents a time for retirees of the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System to adjust their health care coverage.
How much do you contribute to OPERS?
How much do I contribute to OPERS? As a member, you contribute 10% of your salary toward your retirement. Your employer contributes an amount equal to 14% of your salary. That means an amount equal to 24% of your total salary is being invested by OPERS. 10% your contribution. 14% your employer's contribution.
Can you annuitize your Oppers account?
Your retirement payment options depend upon the retirement plan you choose. You can either annuitize your account and receive lifetime payments, or you can take a lump sum and annuitize the remaining portion (if any).
Prepare
Gather the following to help you find and choose the right plan for you.
Enroll
Apply for plans online. Many plans don't even require a phone call to enroll, but you're always welcome to call us for assistance.
