For 2010, STRS Ohio will provide a new STRS Ohio-designed medicare Advantage Plan through Aetna. STRS Ohio benefit recipients who have both Medicare Parts A & B and are currently enrolled in Aetna or Medical Mutual Plus or Basic plans will be automatically enrolled in the Medicare Advantage Plan.  They also will have the option of selecting the Medical Mutual Basic Plan.

Medicare Advantage Plans have been used successfully the last two years by both OPERS and SERS members. The plan that STRS Ohio is offering provides a number of benefits to its enrollees including:

- Lower premiums and a $500 maximum in out-of-pocket costs
- Low office co-payments of $15
- Ability to see any physician who accepts Medicare
- Preventative services covered at 100%
- Value-based prescriptions for diabetics
- Gym memberships
- Care management resources (including help for dementia and depression, as well as social service issues)
- Discounts for eyewear and hearing aids
- Vision and hearing screenings

The monthly premiums for a 30-year retiree in the Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan in 2010 will be $58, compared to the 2009 Medical Mutual + Plan. Overall,  this change to a Medicare Advantage Plan could result in premium savings of $24.6 million less from the Health Care Stabilization Fund, if all Medicare parts A & B enrollees stay in the Medicare Advantage Plan.

Individuals who prefer the Basic Plan can "opt out" of the Medicare Advantage Plan and choose the Medical Mutual Basic Plan or one of the regional options if applicable (AultCare, Kaiser Permanente or Paramount) during this fall's open enrollment.
- Unlimited lifetime maximum coverage
- Administrative simplicity (no claims coordination required)
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