OPBA has a new way to join: BLUE SHIELD.

Blue Shield is a "light" plan for those not eligible for collective bargaining who still want the coverage and representation available through the OPBA and our expert legal team. 

Blue Shield Protects Law Enforcement Employees by Providing:

• Full, No-Cost Representation for Use-of-Force and other Critical Incidents. You protect, but who protects you? Peace of mind for those who deal with difficult and dangerous situations on the daily.
• Employment Advice & Counsel. We're here to talk you through any issues that may arise.
• Mental Health & Other Resources through the OPBA Member Assistance Program (MAP). Valuable resources for you and your household, including 6 FREE counseling sessions PER ISSUE in person or virtually, for you and your immediate family.
• Subscription to Police Beat. Our quarterly magazine contains insightful articles, retirement announcements, and more.
• $4,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment Benefit. Provide a financial safety net for your family.

Who is Eligible for Blue Shield?

Law enforcement and public safety personnel, as well as private and public sector employees, can sign up for Blue Shield, so long as they are not participating in collective bargaining. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Police Officers
• Public and Private Security Officers
• SWAT
• Dispatchers
• Park Rangers
• & more

For any questions regarding eligibility, please reach out to our main office at (440) 237-7900.

How does it work?

Signing up for Blue Shield is just as easy as starting any other monthly subscription. A discounted rate is available when paying on a yearly basis.  Blue Shield Membership can be canceled any time. To see the current affordable rates, visit our sign-up page!

The OPBA Difference

Our team is powered by the expertise of nine attorneys whose experience and thorough knowledge of both employment law and the field of law enforcement make them a force to be reckoned with when fighting for the rights of our members across Ohio. We've been doing this since 1973!

Commonly Asked Questions:

What happens if enough of my coworkers sign up for Blue Shield?

If you and your coworkers are eligible for collective bargaining, and 30% or more of your group sign up for Blue Shield, OPBA will reach out to communicate the possibility of becoming standard members with full benefits. Standard membership to OPBA not only includes collective bargaining (a very powerful tool for getting the pay, hours, and working conditions you deserve), but also grievance and arbitration services and more.

This is why sharing all about Blue Shield with your coworkers after you sign up is so valuable!

What is the difference between Blue Shield and the standard OPBA membership?

See the comparison chart below. Full OPBA membership includes collective bargaining, where our legal team and union members negotiate directly with the employer to gain fair wages, structures for promotion, better working conditions and hours, and more. Full membership with OPBA also includes legal representation in cases of false arrests, lawsuits, defending civil rights, and criminal defense.