Since OP&F began sponsoring a health care plan in 1974, OP&F has paid a significant percentage of retirees' health insurance premium, a cost that is constantly rising. In fact, the OP&F portion of these costs has risen so fast that it is taking needed funds away from our primary mission: pension funding.

While OP&F sponsors a health care plan to retirees and their dependents as an option, Ohio law does not require us to do so. OP&F remains committed to making effective, affordable health care options available to retirees. However, supporting the health care plan must change. Therefore, the OP&F Board has adopted a number of changes, effective Jan. 1, 2007, highlighted below.

For 2007, there will be one option and two different providers to choose from. Beginning in 2008, the plan design will offer one option and one plan provider. The 2006 plan design included three levels of options and five different providers to choose from.
For those who retired after July 24, 1986, OP&F will subsidize the health care premium by 75 percent for members and 25 percent for a dependent's premium. For those who retired prior to July 24, 1986, OP&F will subsidize 75 percent of the member's premium and 50 percent of their dependent's premium.
Co�pays, deductibles and other out�of�pocket expenses for medical and prescription drug coverage will increase.
HMOs will no longer be among the plans offered.
In 2008, for Medicare�eligible benefit recipients, OP&F will provide access to a third�party provider and will subsidize medical premiums for this plan only. OP&F will still subsidize prescription drug benefits provided by an OP&F plan.
The lifetime maximum for medical coverage will be $2.5 million per covered life.
Additionally, the OP&F Board of Trustees has recommended to the Ohio General Assembly that the reimbursements for Medicare Part B premiums be capped at $115 per month.

Details concerning the OP&F�sponsored health care plan for 2007 continue to be developed and are not available at this time. Once the plan is finalized, additional information will be published in the Member's Report newsletter, the 2007 Annual Change Period Guide, and online at www.op�f.org.