April 29, 2025
State of Ohio benefits package update
The State of Ohio is committed to providing you and your family with a high quality, robust health care plan. The state offers a comprehensive benefits package with 13 different benefits programs that support the health and wellness of you and your family.
The State of Ohio leverages its position as a large employer to offer an affordable, competitive health care benefits package that is recognized as one of the best in the state.
Medical rates will increase in the new benefit year
With Open Enrollment for the 2026 fiscal year beginning May 8, we must inform you that you will see an increase in the premiums you pay for your health care coverage beginning July 1.
For the past several years, the state has been able to hold premium rates with no increase or a minimal increase, and below national trends, as medical claims and costs remained relatively steady.
However, many factors in health care and the health care industry are unfortunately contributing to an increase in medical rates. A few of these trends that have the greatest impact on the state’s rates include:
Increased demand and utilization
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Rising prescription drug costs: The cost trend for specialty and new brand name drugs has increased significantly in the past three years. Over the past year, prescription drug costs have risen by more than $50 million.
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The cost of medical care: Across the board, medical providers and hospitals have increased the cost of medical services. Additionally, the state is also seeing higher utilization of certain costly medical services, and the prevalence of chronic conditions continues to rise.
Additionally, even after cost containment measures and implementation of clinical requirements, plan reviews show the costs for GLP-1 medications continue to escalate. As a result, GLP-1 medications for weight loss (Wegovy, Zepbound, Saxenda, etc.) will unfortunately no longer be covered by the state’s benefits plan effective July 1, 2025. However, any current prior authorizations for this medication will be honored until they expire.
Our commitment to you
We recognize the impact an increase will have on you and your family. We will continue monitoring health care industry trends to leverage our strength as one of Ohio’s largest employers to manage rates.
For your health care needs, consider taking advantage of the many benefits programs and resources available through the state to save on health care expenses. Below are just a few resources available to employees enrolled in the state’s respective health plans.
Save through your health care benefits:
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Medical — Compare the state’s medical plan options
- Check your medical third-party administrator’s microsite for tips on which of the state’s three medical plan options might be best for you and how to compare costs.
- Compare the medical plan options and plan costs through the state’s Open Enrollment website.
- Save on certain medical procedures by using your medical third-party administrator’s centers of excellence.
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Prescription drug — Save on prescription drug home delivery.
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Wellness — Take steps to improve your health and earn an incentive for your actions.
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Flexible Spending Accounts — Use these accounts to set aside funds to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses on a pre-tax basis.
Resources available to all state employees and their family members:
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Behavioral health — Through the Ohio Employee Assistance Program’s third-party administrator, ComPsych, all employees and their family members have confidential access 24/7 to six sessions per person per issue or concern at no cost.
What sets the state’s benefits plans apart
Your health is important to us, and we are proud to make a significant commitment to you and your family by contributing 85% to the Ohio Med PPO and Ohio Med Select plan premiums (employees contribute 15% of the plan premiums); and 90% of the Ohio Med HDHP plan premium (employees contribute 10% of the plan premium).
The state also offers many programs and benefits at levels above what other employers offer, including:
- Low copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums
- 100% maternity coverage
- Infertility benefits
- An expansive behavioral health network
All State of Ohio health plans are self-funded. This means the cost of benefits is funded by the contributions made by you and the State of Ohio. All claims for services and procedures are paid directly from these contributions. When the amount of claim payments is greater than the amount of contributions from employees and the state, medical costs to the fund increase.
For questions, please contact your agency human resources representative and visit DAS.Ohio.gov/OpenEnrollment for more about the upcoming Open Enrollment period and view the 2025-2026 My Benefits Guide.
 Kathleen C. Madden
Director
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