Board Report, March 2025

OP&F monitoring issues with Thin Blue Line health care plans

OP&F has had calls from retirees who are concerned with Thin Blue Line health care plans, which has plans available to pre-Medicare members. As members may recall, this plan is part of the “open HRA” which pre-65 members specifically requested so that they could make their own health care decisions based on their personal circumstances. The concerns with Thin Blue Line are about non-payment of medical bills.

OP&F’s Board of Trustees discussed the issues at their most recent meeting on March 26. The Ohio Fraternal Order of Police has indicated that they are working with Thin Blue Line and believe that the non-payment issues will be resolved within the next two months.

In general, unhappiness or dissatisfaction with a plan does not create a Qualifying Life Event, that allows members to change carriers outside of open enrollment (a federal, not OP&F rule). In order to change plans outside of open enrollment, a member would need a Special Enrollment Period. If Thin Blue Line has failed to pay any medical bills in 2024 or 2025, OP&F may be able to assist in creating a Special Enrollment Period that would allow members to change plans. OP&F continues to monitor if a Special Enrollment Period notice that allows members to change plans will occur. Members may wish to check in with the Fraternal Order of Police as well.

OP&F will still provide a stipend to members who receive the notice of special enrollment. Upon notice of a Special Enrollment Period, members have 60 days to enroll in another health care plan and will still be eligible for the OP&F stipend. In the meantime, members have to direct their calls to Thin Blue Line. Members should direct complaints about non-payment to the Ohio Department of Insurance. The Ohio Department of Insurance is responsible for licensing of carriers and may be able to investigate.

PORTFOLIO UPDATE

Board of Trustees Committee Notes

(Motions voted on by the Board are listed separately)

DISABILITY: The Committee conducted its scheduled reviews and hearings.

INVESTMENT: Staff presented its monthly review of the portfolio value and year-to-date performance. Wilshire presented an Executive Summary of Investment Performance for the periods that ended Dec. 31, 2024, as well as the Private Equity Credit Program Analysis for periods that ended Sept. 30, 2024. Wilshire also presented its Annual Public Markets Asset Class Review.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS AND POLICY: The Executive Director and Adam Hewit updated the committee on our pending state legislation and how they may affect OP&F.

Motions:

At its March 2025 meeting, the OP&F Board of Trustees approved the following motions:

• Approved recommendations for 13 Initial Determinations of Disability hearings.
• Approved the recommendations for five Appeal Hearings.
• Approved recommendations for seven Death Benefit Fund applications.
• Approved the Disability Reporting Waivers list.

NEXT BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETINGS: April 29-30, 2025