Shirlee Zerkel: Some answers from Gary Russell -- but what about the 334?

Shirlee Zerkel to Gary Russell, February 9, 2007
Subject: RE: Questions about 65 and over retirees

Gary,

Thank you for a prompt answer. I have another question concerning the figures that you sent to me. You stated a total of 59,962 using STRS health care. But using the figures when I total the members on both Medicare A and B (52,100) with the members who only have Medicare Part B (7,528), the total is 59,628. The difference is 334 benefit recipients. What program are those 334 benefit recipients on because I understood that we all had to have Medicare B to be covered properly with STRS supplemental.

Thank you,

Shirlee

---

From Gary Russell, February 9, 2007
Subject: RE: Questions about 65 and over retirees

Shirlee,
Here are the numbers you requested as of Jan. 31, 2007:
.....1. There are 59,962 benefit recipients age 65 or older with STRS Ohio health care coverage.
.....2. 52,100 have Medicare parts A & B
.....3. 13,894 spouses have Medicare parts A & B
.....4. 7,528 benefit recipients have Medicare part B only
.....5. 370 spouses have Medicare part B only.

I hope this information helps,

Gary Russell
Director, Member Services
STRS Ohio