OP&F offers guidance to Thin Blue Line members

OP&F has had calls from retirees who are concerned with Thin Blue Line health care, which has plans available to pre-Medicare members. As members may recall, this plan is part of the “open HRA” which pre-65 members specifically requested so that they could make their own health care decisions based on their personal circumstances. The concerns with Thin Blue Line are about non-payment of medical bills.

OP&F’s Board of Trustees discussed the issues at their March and April meetings. The Ohio Fraternal Order of Police has indicated that they are working with Thin Blue Line on non-payment issues.

In order to change plans outside of open enrollment, a member would need a Special Enrollment Period. If Thin Blue Line has failed to pay any medical bills in 2024 or 2025, OP&F and Alight may be able to assist in obtaining a Special Enrollment Period notice that would allow Thin Blue Line members to change plans.

Please do not unenroll from Thin Blue Line insurance without receiving a Notice of Special Enrollment Period. Doing so may jeopardize your health care stipend. Contact Alight to inquire about a Special Enrollment Period.

OP&F continues to monitor if a Special Enrollment Period notice that allows Thin Blue Line members to change plans will occur. OP&F will still provide a stipend to members who receive the notice of special enrollment. Upon notice of a Special Enrollment Period, members have 60 days to enroll in another health care plan and will still be eligible for the balance of the OP&F stipend for 2025. In the meantime, members must direct their calls about non-payment to Thin Blue Line.

posted 05/01/2025