Dear Fellow Retired Sergeant,
Over the past months, there have been a lot going on regarding this great fraternal organization as well as the potential changes to our City Health Benefits.
First, I would like to thank our past president, Lawrence (Larry) Kelly, for his endless devotion to the RSA. Larry, after countless years of service to the RSA, has decided to hand over the president’s responsibilities. Larry even though he is a retired Sergeant, holds a fulltime job, and after much consideration, has decided he cannot dedicate the time to properly serve the membership during these times. However, I am thankful that Larry will remain intimately involved and continue to offer his expertise and knowledge of this great organization.
Second, I would like to thank those members who were able to attend the very informative Florida meeting this past January. Please check out the April Chevron for my special edition article on the Florida meeting.
Finally, I would like to address the City strong arming all Medicare eligible city retirees over to a new NY Medicare Advantage (MA) Plus Plan. We have held several meetings with both the SBA and the Alliance (Empire BCBS and Emblem Health, administrators of this new MA Plan). We also sent numerous email blasts, answered hundreds of emails, and phone calls regarding this. All to arm our membership with the information to make an informed choice. We are happy to report that on March 3, 2022, the Honorable Lyle E. Frank has made a decision regard pending litigation on this matter. The Court has decided based on their interpretation of New York City Administrative Code Section 12-126, so long as the respondent is giving retirees the option of staying in their current program, they may not do so by charging them the $191 the respondent intends to charge. This section states unequivocally that “the City will pay the entire cost of health insurance coverage for the city employees, city retirees and their dependents, not to exceed one hundred percent of the full cost of H.I.P. – H.M.O. on a category basis.” This is a BIG WIN! However, we are sure the City will challenge this decision and take it to the Appellate Court. We believe, that although the City can implement the Medicare Advantage Plan as of April 1, 2022, they would not have sufficient time and it will probably be closer to July 1, 2022. The RSA is awaiting to see what the City/MLC’s next steps will be. We will keep you informed of any other update or changes and continue to assist those who are having difficulty navigating this change over.
I am happy to report that we have enhanced our phone system to better serve our members. And would like to welcome the 318 new members to our organization. We are currently at our highest membership, and this is evident of the hard work and devotion the Board has exhibited.
We are thankful for our partnership with Vincent Vallelong and the SBA Board who are committed to assisting the RSA with issues such as this.
On behalf of myself and the RSA Executive Board, I thank you for your continued support.
RSA – Keeping Retirees Informed!!!!
Fraternally,
Robert Cotumaccio
President
