If you are new to the union or if you just want to know more about your health care benefits refer to the list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) below.

1.   As a state employee, how do I get my health care?
2.   What health care choices do I have?
3.   Will my family be covered?
4.   What benefits will I receive?
5.   What are the differences between Ohio Med and the HMOs?
6.   What about mental health or substance abuse treatment services?
7.   What about prescription drugs?
8.   What kind of customer service is available?
9.   Why aren't all plans available in all counties?
10. What about dental, vision, and life insurance benefits?

1. As a state employee, how do I get my health care? All permanent state employees are eligible for health care, but you must enroll in a health care plan. New employees typically enroll shortly after beginning work -- information including a benefits comparison chart should be provided by the employing agency at the time of hire. Ongoing employees have the chance to change plans or to begin coverage at open enrollment, typically once a year. top

2. What health care choices do I have? The Ohio Med health plan is available in all areas. Other health plan options, typically HMOs, are available in most other counties. Generally speaking, you pay ten percent of the monthly premium and the State pays the other ninety percent (you pay more for HMOs with premiums over the statewide average). The Union and the State are cooperating to try to increase the number of health plan choices in non-urban areas.  top

3. Will my family be covered? You can cover your spouse and eligible dependent children (see Article 20 of the Agreement). The monthly premium for family coverage is higher than for single, but you will still pay only about ten percent.  top

4. What benefits will I receive? All plans must provide a generous minimum set of benefits, including preventive and primary care benefits. (See Article 20 for details about the benefits.)  Top

5. What are the differences between Ohio Med and the HMOs? In general, HMOs have lower out-of-pocket costs. But for some of them, the premiums are significantly higher than the PPO. HMOs also have more restrictions on your choice of providers and medications. You should assess your own likely health care needs and those of your family when making your health plan choice. Check the benefits comparison chart for information.  Top

6. What about mental health or substance abuse treatment services? No matter what health plan you choose, you will receive MH/SA services through United Behavioral Health, a nationally recognized company. It offers a wide range of services with low co-pays (currently $10.00 per visit).  top

7. What about prescription drugs?  All health plans offer prescription drugs with a $5 co-pay for generic drugs, a $10 co-pay for brand name drugs where there is no generic equivalent, and $15 for brand name drugs where there is a generic equivalent. Some plans include a mail order component and some do not. CO-pays for mail order drugs are doubled, but you get a three month supply. Thus, mail order drugs save employees over the long run. Some plans (HMOs) have formularies which limit the range of available drugs, while others do not. Check the benefits comparison chart for information. Top

8. What kind of customer service is available? All health plans offer a toll free customer service number (all offer programs for pregnant women designed to help insure healthy babies) and offer additional assistance for individuals with chronic conditions such as asthma or diabetes. You may want to inquire about whether the health plans available to you offer any special services.  Top

9. Why aren't all plans available in all counties? We can only choose among the plans which exist, and most plans operate in only a limited area.   Top

10. What about dental, vision, and life insurance benefits? These benefits are provided through the Union-operated Benefits Trust. You should receive information from it within a month of hiring, at the time you complete your first year of continuous State service, and at open enrollment. Call 1-800-228-5088 for Benefits Trust information.  Top

Related See the OCSEA and State of Ohio Contract Article 20, pages 40-60