OHIO PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM 277 East Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215 1-800-222-PERS (7377) www.opers.org MEMORANDUM DATE: July 7, 2006 TO: FROM: OPERS Retirement Board Members Julie E. Becker, General Counsel Lauren Gresh, Associate Counsel Donna Meyer, Manager Health Care Dan Drake, Health Care RE: IV. Action Item: A. Rules: Rule 145-4-01, Health care definitions Rule 145-2-02, Definition of eligible dependent for health care coverage (Repealed) Rule 145-4-02, Health care fund (New rule) Rule 145-4-03, Health care coverage Rule 145-4-04, Effective date of health care coverage Rule 145-4-05, Monthly health care allowance Rule 145-4-06, Changing health care plan selection Rule 145-4-08, Eligibility for health care coverage for the dependents and survivors of this system s member and retirants Rule 145-4-09, Definition of "eligible dependent" for health care coverage Rule 145-4-10, Enrollment of eligible dependents outside of open enrollment period Rule 145-4-11, Reimbursement of medicare part B premium Rule 145-4-13, Waiver program grandfathered Rule 145-4-14, Coordination of coverage Rule 145-4-15, Income-based discount program Rule 145-4-20, Health care coverage for combined plan Rule 145-4-22, Eligibility for health care coverage for service in traditional pension and combined plans Rule 145-4-24, Retiree medical account for member-directed plan Rule 145-4-26, 401(h) retiree medical account excess health care allowance
Rule 145-4-28, Administration of 401(h) retiree medical account claims and appeals Rule 145-4-30, Administration of 401(h) RMA forfeiture and unclaimed accounts Amendment One to the VEBA Health Plan Action requested: moved, seconded, to do all of the following: (1) Approve for submission to the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR) and the Legislative Service Commission (LSC), Rules 145-4-01 145-4-30 as set forth in this memorandum; and (2) Authorize the Interim Executive Director to execute Amendment One to the plan document for the VEBA Health Plan, as set forth in this memorandum. I. Background The purpose of the rule amendments presented to Board for approval is to incorporate several initiatives of the Health Care Preservation Plan and maintain compliance with section 401(h) of the Internal Revenue Code, which governs the health care fund. Several of the amendments memorialize current policy, while others are new initiatives that will become effective with the HCPP. II. (C) Summary of rule amendments and new rules Rule 145-4-01, Health Care Definitions This rule is a compilation of existing definitions removed from current health care rules and some new definitions for HCPP. They are housed in this central location and apply to all of the rules regarding health care. Existing Rule 145-4-02, Definition of eligible dependent for health care coverage (Repealed) This rule is fully repealed. Eligible dependents are defined in the new Rule 145-4-09. This repeal will be effective on November 1, 2006, because it applies to individuals who may retire and select a plan of payment with multiple survivors (Plan F per H.B. 98, effective October 27, 2006). New Rule 145-4-02, Health care fund This rule is added for compliance with Section 401(h) of the Internal Revenue Code. The IRS requires each qualified plan to set forth the governing provisions of the plan in order to substantiate its favorable tax treatment.
(C) (D) (E) (F) (G) Rule 145-4-03, Health care coverage The existing Rule 145-4-01 was amended to form this new rule. Several amendments were made to clarify the most general provisions of OPERS health care coverage: coverage may be offered; an application is required; monthly premiums; direct pay for ineligible individuals; waiver of coverage; and enrollment under only one benefit. Rule 145-4-04, Effective date of health care coverage Paragraph (C) of the existing Rule 145-4-02 was repealed and replaced with this rule. This rule addresses the health care effective date for all benefit types equally, increases flexibility for members, and reduces administrative complexity. Rule 145-4-05, Monthly health care allowance This rule clarifies that the OPERS Board sets the monthly health care allowance for enrolled benefit recipients and dependents and generally describes the components of the allowance. The allowance is used to purchase dental, vision, and health care coverage through OPERS. If there remains excess allowance after the coverage premium has been paid, the excess rolls into the 401(h) retiree medical account, which the benefit recipient may use to pay for the qualified medical expenses of the enrolled recipient and qualifying dependents. Rule 145-4-06, Changing health care plan selection Benefit recipients enrolled in health care coverage generally may make changes to their health care plan and administrator during the annual open enrollment periods. This rule provides that the OPERS Board determines the circumstances that permit a change in plan or administrator. This was accomplished by adoption of the HCPP. Rule 145-4-08, Eligibility for health care coverage for the dependents and survivors of this system s members and retirants This rule describes the individuals who may be eligible to enroll in health care coverage. It impacts the dependents and survivors of members who retire on and after January 1, 2007. This amendment is not related to the HCPP, rather, it is necessary for purposes of compliance with federal tax law. Specifically, the Working Families Tax Relief Act of 2004 (WFTRA) created a uniform definition of a qualifying child and qualifying relative for the dependency exemption and other federal income tax credits. Tax law generally defined dependent status based on level of support, relationship to the taxpayer, and other citizenship requirements. The WFTRA expanded these requirements. The federal legislation impacts OPERS definition of the individuals eligible for tax-exempt health care coverage because OPERS cannot pay tax free health care coverage from the 401(h) health care fund to individuals who are not tax dependents. This
rule provides coverage to individuals who are exempt from tax consequences for the health care coverage offered by OPERS. (H) (I) (J) (K) (L) (M) (N) Rule 145-4-09, Definition of "eligible dependent" for health care coverage Similar to Rule 145-4-08, the definition of an eligible dependent must be consistent with the WFTRA in order to participate in OPERS 401(h) health care fund. This rule will become effective on November 1, 2006, so that it applies to individuals who may retire and select a plan of payment with multiple survivors (Plan F per H.B. 98, effective October 27, 2006). Rule 145-4-10, Enrollment of eligible dependents outside of open enrollment period This rule codifies the current practice of permitting a benefit recipient to enroll an eligible dependent outside of the annual health care open enrollment period upon the occurrence of qualifying events. Rule 145-4-11, Reimbursement of medicare part B premium This rule defines the basic premium as an amount charged to an individual enrolled in medicare part B coverage whose modified adjusted gross income is below $80,000 for the last taxable year, as determined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The amendment also clarifies that the Medicare B reimbursement will be effective after OPERS has received evidence of the coverage and certification from the benefit recipient. Rule 145-4-13, Waiver program grandfathered The waiver program between OPERS and the other Ohio retirement systems will no longer be available pursuant to the amendments to this rule. Those benefit recipients who waived coverage in OPERS or another Ohio retirement system prior to the effective date of this rule will not be impacted by the amendment. Rule 145-4-14, Coordination of coverage This rule coordinates when OPERS coverage is primary or secondary to the coverage available from another Ohio retirement systems. Rule 145-4-15, Income-based discount program The Income-Based Discount Program is an initiative of the HCPP. This rule authorizes the Board to provide a discount to the monthly health care premium based on the household income of a benefit recipient. The Board determines the discount and eligibility criteria. Participants in the program must apply every year and provide accurate eligibility information. Rule 145-4-20, Health care coverage for combined plan This rule amendment renumbers existing Rule 145-4-07 and makes two technical changes.
(N) (O) (P) Rule 145-4-22, Eligibility for health care coverage for service in traditional pension and combined plans This new rule provides that a member s service credit in the Combined and Traditional Pension Plans may be combined for purposes of qualifying for health care coverage in certain circumstances. Rule 145-4-24, Retiree medical account for member-directed plan This rule amendment renumbers existing Rule 145-4-08 and makes three technical changes. Paragraph of the rule was moved to Rule 145-4- 01(I). Rule 145-4-26, 401(h) retiree medical account excess health care allowance This rule is added for compliance with Section 401(h) of the Internal Revenue Code. The IRC requires each qualified plan to set forth the governing provisions of the plan in order to substantiate its favorable tax treatment. (Q) Rule 145-4-28, Administration of 401(h) retiree medical account claims and appeals This rule is added for compliance with Section 401(h) of the Internal Revenue Code. The IRC requires each qualified plan to set forth the governing provisions of the plan in order to substantiate its favorable tax treatment. (R) III. Rule 145-4-30, Administration of 401(h) RMA forfeiture and unclaimed accounts This rule is added for compliance with Section 401(h) of the Internal Revenue Code. The IRC requires each qualified plan to set forth the governing provisions of the plan in order to substantiate its favorable tax treatment. Summary of amendments to VEBA Health Plan Amendment One to the VEBA Health Plan The amendment to Section 1.08 provides a cross reference to the federal tax definition of an eligible dependent for purposes of accessing payment or reimbursement of qualified medical expenses from the VEBA Health Plan. The amendment to Section 5.07 of the Plan makes the forfeiture and reinstatement of unclaimed accounts consistent with new Rule 145-4- 30 regarding the 401(h) retiree medical account.
145-4-01 Health Care Definitions As used in this chapter: (C) 401(h) retiree medical account means the retiree medical account of a benefit recipient within the account established by the public employees retirement board under rule 145-4-02 of the Administrative Code and described in rules 145-4-26, 145-4-28, and 145-4-30 of the Administrative Code. Age and service retirant means a former member who is receiving a retirement allowance pursuant to section 145.33, 145.331, 145.34, 145.37 or 145.46 of the Revised Code or section 9.03 of the combined plan document. Benefit recipient means the primary benefit recipient, if living. If the member or primary benefit recipient is deceased, benefit recipient shall mean the survivor benefit recipient. (D) Health care coverage means the coverage authorized under sections 145.325 and 145.58 of the Revised Code, except for reimbursement of the medicare part B premium, and dental and vision coverage. (E) (F) (G) (H) (I) (J) Initial benefit payment has the same meaning as in rule 145-1-65 of the Administrative Code. Ohio retirement system means the public employees retirement system, state teachers retirement system, school employees retirement system, Ohio police and fire pension fund, or highway patrol retirement system. Primary benefit recipient means an age and service retirant or disability benefit recipient who is enrolled in health care coverage. Qualified medical expense means medical care, as defined in section 213(d) of the Internal Revenue Code and applicable regulations thereunder and are excludable from income under sections 105 and 106 of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended. Retiree medical account means the voluntary employees beneficiary association (VEBA) established by the public employees retirement board under section 501(c)(9) of the Internal Revenue Code and described in the document entitled the public employees retirement system of Ohio VEBA health plan. Self-supporting rate means the adjusted per capita cost for providing health care coverage for any given year, as determined by the board.
(K) (L) Service manager means the individual or entity appointed by the public employees retirement system to administer the retiree medical accounts or the 401(h) retiree medical accounts. Survivor benefit recipient means a beneficiary receiving a benefit pursuant to section 145.45 or 145.46 of the Revised Code or section 9.03 of the combined plan document. Statutory Authority: 145.09. Rule Amplifies: 145.325, 145.58. Rule Review Date: 9/29/08 Replaces: None Effective Date History:
145-4-02 Definition of eligible dependent for health care coverage For the purpose of determining eligibility for dependent health care coverage offered by the retirement system that commences on or after January 1, 2005: (1) Primary benefit recipient means any individual receiving an age and service retirement or disability benefit who subscribes to a health care plan offered by the retirement board under section 145.58 of the Revised Code, or, for PERS retirants employed under section 145.38 of the Revised Code, a retirant receiving coverage of benefits in accordance with division (D)(2) of section 145.38 of the Revised Code; (2) Eligible dependent means either of the following: (a) (b) The primary benefit recipient s spouse who establishes a marriage by a valid marriage certificate; The primary benefit recipient s biological or legally adopted child who has never been married and to whom one of the following applies: (i) (ii) Is under age eighteen, or under age twenty-two if the child is attending an institution of learning or training pursuant to a program designed to complete in each school year the equivalent of at least two-thirds of the full-time curriculum requirements of such institution; Regardless of age, is adjudged physically or mentally incompetent prior to the limiting ages described in division (2)(b)(i) of this rule. (c) The primary benefit recipient s grandchild for whom the primary benefit recipient has been ordered to provide for the health care coverage of the grandchild pursuant to section 3109.19 of the Revised Code. (C) The surviving spouse of a retirant who dies after retirement may enroll the retirant s eligible dependent in health care coverage for so long as the surviving spouse subscribes to a health care plan offered by the retirement board and the eligible dependent continues to meet the requirements described in division (2)(b) of this rule. Notwithstanding division or of this rule, on or after October 9, 2000, a child of a retirant who dies after retirement may be eligible for dependent health care coverage provided the child meets the requirements described in division (2)(b) of this rule, and all of the following are satisfied:
(1) The retirant selected a plan of payment described in division (2)(b), (2)(c) or (2)(d) of section 145.46 of the Revised Code or section 9.03(e)(2)(ii), 9.03(e)(2)(iii), or 9.03(e)(2)(iv) of the combined plan document; (2) A child of the retirant was designated as the retirant s beneficiary under the plan of payment and survives the retirant; (3) Biological or legally adopted child not designated by the retirant as the retirant s beneficiary was covered for dependent health care coverage prior to the retirant s death. (D) (1) The retirement system may request appropriate documentation to confirm a dependent s eligibility for health care coverage. (2) Failure to provide the documentation required to substantiate a dependent s eligibility shall result in the denial or withdrawal of health care coverage for such individual. (E) (F) An eligible dependent described in division (2)(a) of this rule shall cease to be an eligible dependent on the first day of the month following the date of the final hearing in an action for divorce or dissolution from the primary benefit recipient. The primary benefit recipient shall promptly inform the retirement system, in writing, not later than thirty days after the failure of any eligible dependent to qualify for health care coverage under this rule, that such eligible dependent is no longer qualified for health care coverage. Statutory Authority: 145.09, 145.58. Rule Amplifies: 145.58. Rule Review Date: 10/03/07. Repeal Effective Date: 10/27/06. Effective Date History: 1/1/05.
145-4-02 Health Care Fund (C) (D) Within the funds described in section 145.23 of the Revised Code, there shall be a separate account established pursuant to section 401(h) of the Internal Revenue Code for the purpose of funding the coverage authorized under sections 145.325 and 145.58 of the Revised Code. This account shall be known as the 401(h) account. The assets in the 401(h) account shall be accounted for separately from the other assets of the public employees retirement system, but may be commingled with the other assets of the system for investment purposes. Investment earnings and expenses shall be allocated on a reasonable basis. All assets in the 401(h) account shall be held in trust for the exclusive benefit of members, benefit recipients, and eligible dependents. Contributions to the 401(h) account shall be funded by employer contributions as described in sections 145.325, 145.48, 145.51, and 145.58 of the Revised Code. Contributions to the 401(h) account are subordinate to the contributions to the funds for retirement benefits under the traditional pension plan and combined plan. At no time shall contributions to the 401(h) account be in excess of twenty-five percent of the total aggregate actual contributions made to the trust for the traditional pension plan and combined plan, excluding contributions to fund past service credit. In any event, such contributions shall be reasonable and ascertainable. Forfeitures shall be used to fund health care coverage, qualified medical expenses, dental and vision coverage, and to reimburse the medicare part B premium, and as provided in rule 145-4-30 of the Administrative Code. The assets of the 401(h) account shall only be used for the payment of health care coverage, qualified medical expenses, dental and vision coverage, and to reimburse the medicare part B premium. (E) At no time prior to the satisfaction of all liabilities under this rule and sections 145.325 and 145.58 of the Revised Code shall any assets in the 401(h) account be used for, or diverted to, any purpose other than as provided in paragraph (D) of this rule and for the payment of administrative expenses. Assets in the 401(h) account may not be used for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits, or for any other purpose for which the other funds of the system are used. (F) (G) Upon satisfaction of all liabilities under this rule, any assets in the 401(h) account, if any, that are not used as provided in paragraph (E) of this rule shall be returned to the employers, as required by section 401(h)(5) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is the intent of the public employees retirement board in adopting this rule to comply in all respects with sections 401(a) and 401(h) of the Internal Revenue Code and regulations interpreting those sections. In applying this rule, the board will apply the interpretation that achieves compliance with those sections and preserves the qualified status of the
system as a governmental plan under sections 401(a) and 414(d) of the Internal Revenue Code. (H) This rule is intended to codify past practices and procedures of the system with respect to the funding and payment of health care coverage and does not confer any new rights to members, retirees, survivors, beneficiaries, or their dependents. Statutory Authority: 145.09, 145.58. Rule Amplifies: 145.325, 145.58. Rule Review Date: 9/29/08 Replaces: None. Effective Date History:
145-4-01145-4-03 Health care coverage (C) Dental, vision, and health care coverage for an eligible primary benefit recipient may be available upon application on a form provided by the public employees retirement system. For dependent health care coverage that commences on and after January 1, 2007, a primary benefit recipient may enroll an eligible dependent as defined in rule 145-4-09 of the Administrative Code. Applications for health care coverage must be received by the public employees retirement system not later than sixty days after the benefit recipient s initial benefit payment. If the application is received more than sixty days after the benefit recipient s initial benefit payment, the retirement system shall not accept the application and enrollment may occur only during the next annual health care open enrollment period. Upon the recommendation of the actuary retained by the public employees retirement board, the board shall determine annually the portion of premium or claim cost the selfsupporting rate it shall pay for eligible primary benefit recipients and eligible dependents enrolled in the basic health care coverage plan or one of the alternative plans offered by the retirement board. (D) Health care coverage for an eligible primary benefit recipient or eligible dependent may be available. If the monthly premium for dental, vision, or health care coverage exceeds the monthly benefit, the benefit recipient shall pay the retirement system the premiums as directly billed by the retirement system or a third party under contract with the board to administer collection of monthly premiums. Billings shall conform to a monthly calendar quarter billing schedule payable three months before the beginning of each calendar quarter for which coverage will be effective. (C) The effective date of health care coverage for eligible benefit recipients and enrolled dependents shall: (1) The first of the month following the retirement board s approval of a disability benefit application or the effective date of the disability benefit, whichever is later. (2) The first of the month following the date a completed application for benefits pursuant to section 145.32 or 145.331 of the Revised Code or article IX of the combined plan document, is filed with the retirement system or the effective date of the benefit, whichever is later. (3) The first of the month following the death of the contributor or retirant, or attainment of eligibility for benefits pursuant to section 145.45 of the Revised Code, whichever is later. (D)(E) An ineligible individual, as defined in section 145.58 of the Revised Code, may be enrolled in a health care plan offered administered by the retirement system s a third
party health care administrator(s). Such ineligible individual shall pay all required premiums directly to the health care administrator in the time and manner prescribed by the third party health care administrator. The retirement system shall not be responsible for any premiums, claims, or withholding of premiums for such health care coverage plan. (E)(F) Except as otherwise provided in rule 145-4-04 of the Administrative Code, an An eligible benefit recipient may waive health care coverage. Such waiver is effective beginning the first of the month following the retirement system s receipt of the waiver. The waiver is effective as to both the benefit recipient waiving coverage and the benefit recipient s dependents. A benefit recipient may revoke the waiver by filing a health care enrollment an application for enrollment in health care coverage during one of the following: (1) During the The annual open enrollment period for health care coverage under the retirement system, however, except that the waiver remains effective until January first of the next year; (2) Within thirty-one days of involuntary termination of coverage under another group plan, and with proof of such termination, however, except that the waiver remains effective until the first of the following month if the application is received by the fifteenth day of the preceding month, otherwise the waiver remains effective until the first day of the next succeeding month; (3) At any other time for any other circumstances, however, the waiver remains effective for an additional six calendar months. (G) (H) An individual who is eligible for health care coverage from more than one benefit may not enroll for health care coverage simultaneously under more than one benefit. Regardless of the reason for eligibility, all enrolled benefit recipients and dependents shall enroll in medicare part B at the benefit recipient or eligible dependent s first eligible date. Statutory Authority: 145.09, 145.58. Rule Amplifies: 145.325, 145.58. Rule Review Date: 10/03/079/29/08. Replaces: 145-17-01.145-4-01. Effective Date History: 1/1/05; 4/15/04; 1/1/03; 8/8/02; 3/22/02; 10/9/00; 5/4/00; 6/29/96; 4/1/93; 12/9/88; 8/20/76.
145-4-04 Effective date of health care coverage (C) Except as otherwise provided in this rule, the effective date of health care coverage shall be the effective benefit date of the benefit that is the basis of the health care coverage. If the retirement system or health care administrator has not paid claims for health care coverage for an eligible benefit recipient or eligible dependent, the benefit recipient may elect an effective date of health care coverage that is after the date described in paragraph of this rule but is not later than sixty days after the initial benefit payment. An election under this paragraph shall be made not later than sixty days after the initial benefit payment. Notwithstanding paragraphs and of this rule, the effective date of health care coverage shall not be either of the following: (1) More than one year prior to the date on which the retirement system receives an application for enrollment in health care coverage; (2) A date that precedes the date described in paragraph of this rule. (D) The effective date of health care coverage shall be on the first day of a month. Statutory Authority: 145.09, 145.58. Rule Amplifies: 145.58. Rule Review Date: 9/29/08. Replaces: 145-4-01(C) Effective Date History: 1/1/05; 4/15/04; 1/1/03; 8/8/02; 3/22/02; 10/9/00; 5/4/00; 6/29/96; 4/1/93; 12/9/88; 8/20/76.
145-4-05 Monthly health care allowance (C) As used in this chapter, monthly health care allowance means the monthly amount that is allocated to each individual enrolled in health care coverage. This allowance is based on the self-supporting rate, as determined by the public employees retirement board, and as adjusted by the benefit recipient s years and type of service credit. The monthly health care allowance shall only be used to purchase dental, vision, and health care coverage. The remaining portion of the allowance that is not used as described in this paragraph shall be credited to a 401(h) retiree medical account. For the purpose of determining the monthly health care allowance of a disability benefit recipient, the following service credit shall not be included: (1) The projected number of years of service credit and fractions thereof described in section 145.36 of the Revised Code; (2) The service credit for the last continuous period during which the applicant for an age and service retirement benefit received a disability benefit under section 145.361 of the Revised Code, as described in section 145.331 of the Revised Code. Statutory Authority: 145.09, 145.58. Rule Amplifies: 145.325, 145.58. Rule Review Date: 9/29/08. Replaces. None. Effective Date History: None.
145-4-06 Changing health care plan selection The public employees retirement board shall establish the circumstances under which an enrolled benefit recipient may select a different third-party health care administrator or plan to provide the benefit recipient s dental, vision, or health care coverage. Statutory Authority: 145.09, 145.58. Rule Amplifies: 145.58. Rule Review Date: 9/29/08 Replaces: None. Effective Date History:
145-4-08 Eligibility for health care coverage for the dependents and survivors of this system s members and retirants (C) (D) Dental, vision, and health care coverage may be available to an eligible survivor benefit recipient or an eligible dependent upon application on a form provided by the public employees retirement system. Except as provided in this paragraph, an eligible survivor benefit recipient may enroll in health care coverage if the benefit recipient is an eligible dependent, as defined in rule 145-4-09 of the Administrative Code. A survivor benefit recipient receiving a benefit under section 145.46 of the Revised Code who is not an eligible dependent may enroll in health care coverage only if the effective date of the primary benefit recipient s benefit is before October 27, 2006. The surviving spouse of an age and service retirant or member may enroll an eligible dependent as long as the surviving spouse is enrolled in health care coverage and the eligible dependent continues to meet the definition in rule 145-4-09 of the Administrative Code. A spouse of a primary benefit recipient shall cease to be eligible for health care coverage on the first day of the month following the date of the final decree of divorce or dissolution from the primary benefit recipient. Statutory Authority: 145.09, 145.58. Rule Amplifies: 145.58. Rule Review Date: 10/03/079/29/08. Replaces: 145-4-02, in part Effective Date History: 1/1/05.
145-4-09 Definition of "eligible dependent" for health care coverage As used in this chapter, "eligible dependent" means any of the following: (1) The spouse of a primary benefit recipient. The spouse shall be an individual of the opposite gender who establishes a marriage by a valid marriage certificate recognized by Ohio law. (2) The biological or legally adopted child of a primary benefit recipient, provided the child has never been married and to whom all of the following apply: (a) The child is one of the following: (i) (ii) (iii) Under age eighteen; Under age twenty-two if the child is a full-time student at an education organization described in section 170(b)(1)(ii) of the Internal Revenue Code or certain institutional on-farm training program pursuant to section 152(f)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code for at least five months of the calendar year; Is permanently and totally disabled prior to the limiting ages set forth in paragraph (2)(a)(i) or (ii) of this rule. For purposes of this paragraph permanently and totally disabled means the individual is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death, or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve months. (b) (c) Provides not more than one-half of his or her own support for the calendar year. Resides at the same principal place of abode as the primary benefit recipient for more than one-half of the calendar year, unless all of the following apply: (i) (ii) (iii) The parents of a child are divorced, legally separated, separated under a written separation agreement, or are living apart at all times during the last six months of the calendar year, and the primary benefit recipient is a parent of the child; The child is in the custody of one or both of the parents for more than one-half of the calendar year; The child receives over one-half of his or her support during the calendar year from the parents, subject to the provisions of section
152 of the Internal Revenue Code regarding multiple support agreements. (d) Is a citizen, resident, or national of the United States or a resident of Canada or Mexico. For adopted children, the child has the same principal place of abode as, and is a member of the household of, the primary benefit recipient, who is a U.S. citizen or national. (3) The grandchild of a primary benefit recipient for whom the benefit recipient has been ordered pursuant to section 3109.19 of the Revised Code to provide for the health care coverage, provided that the grandchild would, but for the grandchild relationship, meet the requirements of this paragraph. (4) A child who is an eligible dependent under paragraph (2) or (3) of this rule and for whom the primary benefit recipient is ordered to provide health care coverage pursuant to a court order, divorce decree, or national medical support notice. (C) (D) Upon the death of a primary benefit recipient, any individual who would have been treated as an eligible dependent of the benefit recipient but for the recipient s death shall be treated as an eligible dependent of the primary benefit recipient for purposes of this chapter until the individual reaches the age limitation set forth in paragraph (2)(a) of this rule or provides more than one-half of his or her own support. A benefit recipient shall inform the retirement system, in writing, not later than thirty days after an eligible dependent no longer meets the requirements of this rule. The retirement system may require a benefit recipient to certify the status of an individual as an eligible dependent for purposes of health care coverage. Failure to provide certification within sixty days of the request by the retirement system, shall result in the denial or withdrawal of health care coverage for such individual until the next annual health care open enrollment period. Statutory Authority: 145.09, 145.58. Rule Amplifies: 145.38, 145.46, 145.58. Rule Review Date: 10/03/07 9/29/08. Replaces: 145-4-02(2) Effective Date History: 10/27/06;1/1/05.
145-4-10 Enrollment of eligible dependents outside of open enrollment period A benefit recipient may enroll an eligible dependent in health care coverage at any time outside of the annual health care open enrollment period if any of the following apply: (1) The primary benefit recipient may enroll a new spouse upon marriage; (2) The benefit recipient may enroll a child upon the birth or adoption of that child; (3) The benefit recipient may enroll a child between the age of eighteen and twentytwo who becomes eligible for enrollment by attending an educational institution described in rule 145-4-09 of the Administrative Code; (4) The benefit recipient may enroll an eligible dependent who has involuntarily lost health care coverage from another source; (5) The benefit recipient is ordered to enroll a child pursuant to a national medical support order; (6) The dependent first achieves any other eligibility threshold described in rule 145-4-09 of the Administrative Code. Enrollment of an eligible dependent under this rule shall be made on an application provided by the public employees retirement system and must be received not later than sixty days after of the occurrence of the event described in paragraph of this rule. Statutory Authority: 145.09, 145.58. Rule Amplifies: 145.58. Rule Review Date: 9/29/08. Replaces: None. Effective Date History: None.
145-4-11 Reimbursement of medicare part B premium An eligible benefit recipient as defined in section 145.58 of the Revised Code shall enroll in medicare part B at such recipient s first eligible date For purposes of section 145.58 of the Revised Code and this rule, basic premium means the amount charged to an individual enrolled in medicare part B coverage whose modified adjusted gross income is below $80,000 for the last taxable year, as determined by the centers for medicare and medicaid services. The amount of the current basic medicare part B premium for medicare part B shall be reimbursed to an eligible benefit recipient in each monthly benefit payment when such benefit recipient submits both of the following: (1) Proof of enrollment in and evidence of the premium amount paid for medicare part B coverage; (2) Certification that the benefit recipient is not receiving reimbursement for the premium and that it is not being paid by any other source. (C) The Except as provided in paragraph (E) of this rule, the effective date for the reimbursement of the premium amount pursuant to division (DC) of section 145.58 of the Revised Code shall be the later of: (1) January 1, 1977; or The effective date of medicare part B coverage; (2) The first of the month following receipt by the public employees retirement system of proof of coverage. The first day of the month following receipt by the system of the information described in paragraph of this rule. (E) If the benefit recipient s initial benefit payment was issued not later than thirty days prior to receipt of the information described in paragraph (C) of this rule, the effective date for the reimbursement shall be the first day of the month following the later of: (1) The effective date of health care coverage under rule 145-4-04 of the Administrative Code; (2) The effective date of medicare part B coverage. (F) (1) The retirement system shall not pay more than one monthly medicare part B premium to an eligible benefit recipient who is receiving more than one monthly retirement allowance from this system. (2) The retirement system shall not pay a medicare part B premium to an eligible benefit recipient who is receiving reimbursement for this premium from any other source.
Statutory Authority: 145.09, 145.58. Rule Amplifies: 145.58. Rule Review Date: 10/03/079/29/08. Replaces: 145-4-03. Effective Date History: 1/1/03; 3/22/02; 9/6/88; 8/20/76.
145-4-05 145-4-13 Responsibility for health care coverage Waiver program grandfathered This rule applies to a benefit recipient who irrevocably waived health care coverage under the version of rule 145-4-04 of the Administrative Code in effect prior to January 1, 2007, and an individual who irrevocably waived health care coverage in another Ohio retirement system prior to January 1, 2007. For the purpose of this rule: (1) Age and service retirant means a former member who is receiving a retirement allowance pursuant to section 145.33, 145.331, 145.34, 145.37 or 145.46 of the Revised Code. (2) Cost paid by the benefit recipient means the amount equal to the percentage as of January 1, 1998 paid by the benefit recipient, multiplied by the system s cost per benefit recipient. (3) Dependent means an eligible spouse or child of an eligible benefit recipient. (4) Disability benefit recipient means a member who is receiving a benefit or allowance pursuant to section 145.36, 145.361, or 145.37 of the Revised Code. (5) Effective benefit date means the date upon which a benefit allowance begins. (6) Eligible benefit recipient means an age and service retirant, disability or survivor benefit recipient who is eligible for health care coverage under this system. (7) Health care coverage means the plan offered by this system including, but not limited to, the medical plan, the prescription drug program, and the medicare part B premium reimbursement. (8) Ohio retirement system means public employees retirement system, state teachers retirement system, school employees retirement system, Ohio police and fire pension fund, or highway patrol retirement system. (9) Survivor benefit recipient means a beneficiary receiving a benefit pursuant to section 145.45 or 145.46 of the Revised Code. (C) Except as otherwise provided in this rule, this retirement system shall be the system responsible for health care coverage for eligible benefit recipients who receive a benefit or allowance from this system. This retirement system shall not be the system responsible for health care coverage for eligible benefit recipients in the following situations:
(1) Where an eligible benefit recipient who is an age and service retirant of this system also is an eligible benefit recipient receiving an age and service benefit from another Ohio retirement system and the effective benefit date in this system is later than the effective benefit date in the other system. (2) (a) Where an eligible benefit recipient who is a disability benefit recipient of this system also is an eligible benefit recipient receiving an age and service benefit from another Ohio retirement system. (b) Where an eligible benefit recipient who is a survivor benefit recipient of this system also is an eligible benefit recipient receiving an age and service benefit or a disability benefit from another Ohio retirement system. (3) Where an eligible benefit recipient who is a disability benefit recipient of this system also is an eligible benefit recipient receiving a disability benefit from another Ohio retirement system and the effective benefit date of the benefit from this system is later than the effective benefit date in the other system. (4) Where an eligible benefit recipient who is a survivor benefit recipient of this system also is an eligible benefit recipient receiving a survivor benefit from another Ohio retirement system and the effective benefit date of the benefit from this system is later than the effective benefit date in the other system. (5) (a) Where the effective benefit dates for an eligible benefit recipient in the situation described in paragraph (C)(1), (C)(3) or (C)(4) of this rule are the same in each system, and the benefit recipient has less service credit in this system than in the other system. (b) Where the effective benefit dates and service credit for an eligible benefit recipient in the situation described in paragraph (C)(1), (C)(3) or (C)(4) of this rule are the same in each system, and the employee contributions in the account upon which the benefit in this system is based are less than the employee contributions in the account upon which the benefit in the other system was based. (D) (1) (a) Where this system is responsible for health care coverage pursuant to this rule, In the event that an eligible benefit recipient of this system who also is was an eligible benefit recipient of another Ohio retirement system may irrevocably waive such waived health care coverage under rule 145-4-04 of the Administrative Code in order to be covered by the other Ohio retirement system, if the other system has agreed in writing to offer such coverage. Such recipient shall waive such coverage in writing to this system. Health care coverage in this system shall cease beginning the first of the month following receipt of the waiver by this system.
(b) In the event a recipient has waived health care coverage as provided in paragraph (D)(1)(a) of this rule, this system shall (i) Promptly notify the other Ohio retirement system the benefit recipient has waived health care coverage and the effective date of such non-coverage; and (ii) For covered benefit recipients and dependents transfer to the other system annually for covered benefit recipients and dependents for each month covered an amount equal to the sum of: (a)(1) The lesser of this system s average monthly medical cost including health maintenance organization cost per benefit recipient less the cost paid by the benefit recipient, or the other system s average monthly medical cost including health maintenance organization cost per benefit recipient. (b)(2) The lesser of this system s average monthly cost of the prescription drug program per benefit recipient, or the other system s average monthly cost of the prescription drug program per benefit recipient. (c)(3) The lesser of the monthly cost of the medicare part B premium that would be reimbursed by this system for the benefit recipient, or the monthly cost of the medicare part B premium that would be reimbursed by the other system for the benefit recipient. (c)(2) This system shall transfer the amounts due pursuant to paragraph (D)(1)(b)(ii) (C)(1) of this rule no later than the last business day of February each year for the preceding calendar year after the following occur: (i)(a) This system receives from the other system a list containing the names of benefit recipients and the number of months during which the recipients were covered by the other system for the preceding calendar year; and (ii)(b) This system prepares an itemized accounting of the amount transferred for each such benefit recipient. (C) (2) (a) Where this system is not responsible for health care coverage pursuant to this rule, an eligible benefit recipient of another Ohio retirement system who also is an eligible benefit recipient or dependent of an eligible benefit recipient of this system may irrevocably waive health care coverage in the other system to be covered by this system as a benefit recipient or dependent if otherwise eligible. Health care coverage in this system shall
be effective the first of the month following the termination of coverage in the other system. (b) Where an eligible benefit recipient or dependent of an eligible benefit recipient of this system has waived health care coverage in another Ohio retirement system prior to the effective date of this rule, this system shall be responsible to provide health care coverage only if this system: (i) (ii) Is promptly notified by the other system that the benefit recipient or dependent has waived health care coverage and the effective date of termination of coverage; and For covered benefit recipients and dependents the other Ohio retirement system pays annually to this system for covered benefit recipients and dependents for each month covered, an amount equal to the sum of: (a)(1) The lesser of this system s average monthly medical including health maintenance organization cost per benefit recipient less the cost paid by the benefit recipient, or the other system s average monthly medical including health maintenance organization cost per benefit recipient. (b)(2) The lesser of this system s average monthly cost of the prescription drug program per benefit recipient, or the other system s average monthly cost of the prescription drug program per benefit recipient. (c)(3) The lesser of the monthly cost of the medicare part B premium that would be reimbursed by this system for the benefit recipient, or the monthly cost of the medicare part B premium that would be reimbursed by the other system for the benefit recipient. (E) (1) Not later than three years from the effective date of this rule this system shall contact the other Ohio retirement systems to review the adequacy of the transfer of funds described in paragraph (D) of this rule. (2) If there is a material change in this system s plan or circumstances, this system shall notify the other Ohio retirement systems ninety days prior to the effective date of such change to discuss the impact of such change on this rule. Statutory Authority: 145.09, 145.58. Rule Amplifies: 145.325, 145.58. Rule Review Date: 10/03/079/29/08. Replaces: 145-4-05. Effective Date History: 1/1/03; 2/3/00; 8/1/98.
145-4-14 Coordination of coverage (C) (D) This rule amplifies division (D) of section 145.58 of the Revised Code. As used in this rule, available coverage means health care coverage available from another Ohio retirement system. Health care coverage provided by this retirement system under sections 145.58 and 145.325 of the Revised Code shall pay covered medical expenses for benefit recipients of this retirement system prior to payment under any available coverage if the available coverage is provided to the individual as the spouse or dependent of another person. Health care coverage provided by this system shall pay only the covered medical expenses not paid or reimbursed by any available coverage if either of the following: (1) In the case of a benefit recipient, the available coverage is not provided as a dependent of another person, and has been in effect for a longer time than the health care coverage provided by this system; (2) In the case of a dependent, the available coverage is not provided as the dependent of another person or is provided as the dependent of another person but has been in effect for a longer time than the health care coverage provided by this system. (E) (F) Except as otherwise provided in this rule, the public employees retirement system shall not be the system responsible for health care coverage for eligible benefit recipients or eligible dependents of eligible benefit recipients of this system who waive or are otherwise eligible for any available coverage after the effective date of this rule. Each benefit recipient and eligible dependent enrolled in health care coverage provided by this system shall annually make a report to the system or, an entity designated by the system, stating whether the person has other available coverage. The report shall include any information requested by the system or entity. Statutory Authority: 145.09, 145.58. Rule Amplifies: 145.58. Rule Review Date: 9/29/08. Replaces: None. Effective Date History: None.
145-4-15 Income-based discount program (C) (D) As used in this rule, household income means the aggregate of all income and wages of a benefit recipient enrolled in health care coverage, plus the income and wages of the benefit recipient s spouse and any individual that could be claimed as the dependent of the benefit recipient for purposes of federal income taxes. The public employees retirement board may offer a discount on the monthly premium for health care coverage to eligible benefit recipients and eligible dependents whose household income is below an amount determined by the board. The board shall establish the requirements that must be met to qualify for the discount. If offered under paragraph of this rule, an eligible benefit recipient must apply for the discount annually on a form provided by the public employees retirement system. The system may request documentation to validate the benefit recipient s eligibility for the program. Failure to accurately complete the enrollment form or provide the requested documentation will prevent enrollment in the program for that year. If the retirement system determines that the benefit recipient has made false or incomplete representations to qualify for the discount described in this rule, the benefit recipient shall reimburse the retirement system for any discounts improperly received and shall be ineligible to receive the discount at any time in the future. Statutory Authority: 145.09, 145.58. Rule Amplifies: 145.58. Rule Review Date: 9/29/08. Replaces: None. Effective Date History: None.