STRS Ohio's Medicare rules
The State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS Ohio) spells out its Medicare requirements on its Medicare Enrollment page:
| Medicare part | STRS Ohio rule |
|---|---|
| Part A | Required if premium-free. If it would cost a premium, you don't need it; if you later qualify for premium-free Part A (by working after 65 or through a current or former spouse), you must sign up. |
| Part B | Required for all enrollees, with its monthly premium paid to Medicare ($202.90 for most people in 2026). |
| Part C (Medicare Advantage) | Don't enroll in another plan. Parts A and B, or Part B only, qualify you for STRS Ohio's group Medicare Advantage plan. |
| Part D | Don't enroll. STRS Ohio's Medicare plans already include drug coverage, and joining another Part D plan cancels your STRS Ohio coverage. |
After you send proof of Medicare, STRS Ohio places you in its group Medicare Advantage plan. You can opt out to its Medicare-coordinating (secondary) plan instead. Either way you pay two premiums: one to STRS Ohio, deducted from your benefit, and the Part B premium to Medicare.
Does STRS Ohio help with Part B?
Not by direct reimbursement anymore. Since 2023, STRS Ohio applies a monthly Medicare Part B premium credit to the STRS Ohio premium of benefit recipients enrolled in Medicare (OAC 3307:1-11-05 lets the board change or end it). STRS Ohio confirmed the credit continues for 2027 and publishes the current amount in its health care FAQ and guide.
How to enroll
- Apply about three months before you turn 65. STRS Ohio recommends it because processing can take more than a month.
- Sign up with Social Security. Online for Parts A and B; by phone or in person for Part B only.
- Send proof to STRS Ohio. Use the "Submit Medicare Information" link in your Online Personal Account.
- Don't join another Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. It would end your STRS Ohio coverage.
Missing Part B at 65 without job-based coverage can mean a gap and a lifelong late penalty of 10% for each full 12 months you went without it. If you're still working with employer coverage, see working past 65.
STRS Ohio's 2027 open enrollment runs November 1–24, 2026. More in our guide to STRS Ohio and Medicare.
Related questions
Can STRS Ohio retirees join another Part D plan?
Why it cancels coverage.
Do Ohio teachers have to pay for Part A?
Premium-free or not.
Does SERS reimburse Part B?
School employees' rules.
Sources
- STRS Ohio — Medicare Enrollment
- STRS Ohio — 2027 health care changes FAQ
- STRS Ohio — Open Enrollment Resource Center
- Ohio Administrative Code 3307:1-11-05 — Medicare Part B reimbursement
- Medicare.gov — Avoid late enrollment penalties
More questions in this guide
- Can STRS Ohio retirees join a different Part D plan?
- Do federal retirees in Ohio need Medicare Part B with FEHB?
- Do Ohio teachers have to pay for Medicare Part A?
- Do OPERS retirees have to enroll in Medicare?
- Do postal retirees in Ohio need Medicare Part B for PSHB?
- Does OPERS pay for Medicare Part B?
- Does SERS reimburse Medicare Part B?
- Does the Social Security Fairness Act change Medicare for Ohio public retirees?
- How does HPRS retiree health care work with Medicare?
- How does the OPERS Medicare Connector work?
- What happens to OP&F retiree health care when I turn 65?
Part of the guide: Ohio's public retirement systems and Medicare · All questions
Frequently asked questions
I didn't pay into Social Security. Can I still get Medicare?
Yes. STRS Ohio calls it a common misconception: you're eligible for Medicare at 65 even if you aren't eligible for Social Security retirement benefits. If you'd owe a premium for Part A, you can enroll in Part B only.
How do I enroll in Part B only?
STRS Ohio says you must call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office; the online application is for people enrolling in both Part A and Part B.
When does STRS Ohio need my proof of Medicare?
Submit your Medicare information through your STRS Ohio Online Personal Account as soon as you enroll. STRS Ohio's open enrollment guide says proof received by the 15th starts the Medicare plan on the 1st of the next month.
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