Damon responds to Shirlee's second request

From Damon Asbury, May 23, 2007

Subject: RE: Questions about new voluntary plan!

Shirlee:

I did receive your questions, but forwarded them to Member Benefits for a reply to you. We are still in the very early stages and do not have sufficient details to respond directly to your questions at this time. In the meantime, I forwarded a response to Molly Janczyk on a similar question. That answer is below:

STRS Ohio is still in the very early stages of this project and therefore not in position to answer your questions fully at this time. The Health Care staff presented the concept at the May board meeting and received a go-ahead from the Board to further explore this additional plan as an option for 2008. Many details of the plan will need to be worked out during the summer. Staff will present the plan recommendations and premiums for a voluntary Medicare Advantage program in August. Obviously, they will continue to explore the various advantages and disadvantages prior to the presentation as they would want to be in position to give members full and accurate information prior to their selection of an Advantage plan.

We will keep your more specific questions in mind and reply as the staff develops additional information on this proposed plan.

Damon