What changed
For years OPERS added a Part B reimbursement to retirees' monthly benefit. Its 2025 report to the Ohio Retirement Study Council says OPERS "discontinued reimbursement of Medicare Part B premiums as of December 31, 2016." Since then, help with Part B comes only through the health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) OPERS funds for Medicare retirees enrolled through the Connector.
| Medicare cost | Who pays | OPERS help |
|---|---|---|
| Part B premium | You, to Medicare (often deducted from Social Security) | Reimbursable from your HRA balance |
| Part A premium (no premium-free Part A) | You, to Medicare | Reimbursed by OPERS under ORC 145.584 (retiree in full, spouse 50%) |
| Connector plan premium | You, to the plan | Reimbursable from your HRA balance |
| Deductibles, coinsurance, copays | You | Reimbursable from your HRA balance |
How to get Part B repaid from your HRA
- Keep Part B active. OPERS requires Parts A and B; without both, you can't get HRA deposits.
- Stay enrolled in a Connector medical plan. The Medicare HRA is closed: no Connector plan, no deposits.
- Set up automatic reimbursement. Or submit proof of your Part B premium to the vendor.
- Watch your balance. One HRA covers your plan premium, Part B and out-of-pocket costs, so plan for the year.
Your HRA amount depends on your years of qualifying service and your age when you first became eligible; OPERS publishes the current allowance in its health care guide. Ohio law doesn't guarantee retiree health care, and the OPERS board can change it.
Other ways to lower Part B costs
- Medicare Savings Programs: if your income and assets are limited, Ohio Medicaid can pay your Part B premium. See Medicare Savings Programs in Ohio.
- IRMAA appeal: if a big pre-retirement income year raised your premium, see how to appeal IRMAA after retiring.
More in our guide to OPERS and Medicare.
Related questions
How does the OPERS Medicare Connector work?
Plans and the HRA.
Does SERS reimburse Medicare Part B?
SERS still does.
Do STRS Ohio retirees need Part B?
Yes, and the premium credit.
Sources
- OPERS — 2025 Health Care Report to the Ohio Retirement Study Council
- OPERS — 2026 Health Care Program Guide
- Ohio Revised Code 145.584 — Benefits equivalent to Medicare
- CMS — 2026 Medicare Parts A & B premiums and deductibles
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?
- Do STRS Ohio retirees need 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
Does OPERS reimburse Part A?
Yes, for retirees who don't qualify for premium-free Part A. Ohio Revised Code 145.584 has OPERS reimburse the Part A premium in full for eligible retirees and 50% for eligible spouses. That's separate from the HRA.
Can I have my Part B premium repaid automatically?
OPERS's guide says the Connector's vendor offers automatic premium reimbursement, so you don't have to file a claim each month. Ask the vendor to set it up for your Part B premium.
What if I pay more than the standard Part B premium because of IRMAA?
IRMAA is an extra amount you owe Medicare on top of the Part B premium. Ask the Connector's vendor how it handles IRMAA reimbursement from your HRA. Social Security sets IRMAA from your tax return two years earlier, and you can ask it to lower IRMAA after retirement.
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