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SIGNAL 8-2 . . . . .
*** ALERT ***
Re: MEDICARE PART B REIMBURSEMENT
This is important information for all Active and Retired PAPD personnel, for some seven (7) years now the RPA (Retired Police Association of the State of New York), has been trying to help us get the benefits enjoyed by most other NY Police Departments. I will list on this page the letters and reply's to and from the Port Authority and the RPA. However, I found Marty Dunnes (Retired - JFK) letters particularly of interest and certainly informative on the matter.
Needless to say, our sincere thanks and appreciation should also go to RPA President Edward F. Curran for going that extra mile in trying to help us obtain this benefit, when our own PBA and other PONYA organizations, don't seem to want to acknowledge us.
Marty's message to Joseph J Seymour, Executive Director of The Port Authority of NY and NJ.
Dear Sir,
After reading your reply to our letter regarding our request concerning payment for Medicare Part B co-payment, we again are requesting your consideration in this matter.
We recently found out that back in 2000 the Port Authority took over these payments for all future retirees not affiliated with unions. We contacted our former union the PBA and they told us they could not help us as we were not union members and no longer affiliated with them. You suggested that we contact and it could be a negotiable item. We can't as we are in the same situation as the people you gave this benefit to.
Mr Boyle (former Executive Director) met in Florida with the Retirees in 2000 and requested we join him and switch from Prudential to United Health Care - that the Port Authority would save millions of dollars and he could meet with the retirees to share these payments - Medicare, part B payment etc. Well, as fate would have it, Mr Boyle left the Port Authority shortly after.
As you know, this is a benefit that starts at 65 years of age, the same year the Port Authority health costs are reduced for those who are 65 years old and these costs are now passed on to the retirees, over $2,000.00 a year for the retirees and their spouse.
These same retirees are now faced with an additional expense from their small pensions. (years ago the pensions were quite small), Those retiring after 2000 received larger pensions and $2,000.00 a year less out of their pensions. Both those who retired prior to 2000 and after, have the same living costs.
In Closing:
1. We have the same smallest pensions.
2. We're the only ones facing a $2,000.00 plus reduction from our pensions.
3. We have no affiliation with a union.
4. We were assured by Mr Boyle that he would form a Retirees Group to handle this (maybe you could ask hi about this).
5. It's a benefit enjoyed by NYC, Nassau and Suffolk County retirees, etc.
6. It's now enjoyed since 2000 by the other non-represented former employees.
7. We have no one to go to for help in this matter, but to the Port Authority.
CC: Rosetta Janotta
Dep. Dir. Human Resources Dept.
Yours Truly,
Martin Dunne
02-21-06
Dear Gus,
Recently in connection with Ed Curran (Pres. of the RPA), he told me he was going to forward to you a letter he received from the Port Authority. They told him that our request for Medicare being paid by the Port Authority was a negotiable item that could be taken up by you.
I know you have told me in the past that you could not negotiate for retirees, but if you were able to get this for the present employees, we feel they might include us. If you recall when Mr Boyle accompanied you to the Florida Retirement meeting, he stated that by switching medical plans it would save millions and he would share the savings with the retirees.
Well, as fate would have it, he left and we were never able to approach him about it. With all the recent press concerning overtime and salaries, if the Port were to become tough in negotiations concerning salaries, it's possible they might consider the Medicare payments as it would not show up as salary, and all the major departments get it.
As you know, for husband and wife this is a payment of over $2,000.00 per year.
Al Sgaglione's legacy was the 20 year pension.
This could be part of your legacy for the present and retired police.
Fraternally,
Martin Dunne
Marty sent the above to Gus Danese, President of the Port Authority PBA!
April 2, 2006
Dear Marty,
As a follow up to our discussion at RPA meeting, on April 20, 2006, enclosed herewith are the following items:
1. Copy of your letter to Gus Danese, dated 2/21/06
2. Two copies of the Port Authority, Human Resources Dept. Memo Re: 2000 Benefit Program change. (One for Dom Evangelista, PAPBA Executive Secretary, if you desire)
Please be advised that I sent a copy of subject memo, from Human Resources Dept., to Port Authority PBA President Gus Denese, so he does not get the feeling that we by passed him.
I also have prepared a report of all that has taken place regarding this matter. Included with the report are copies of correspondence. I am going to discus with the Executive Board, the mailing of this report to all RPA Port Authority Police members. You and/or any other Port Authority members are welcome to review the report prior to distribution.
I am still looking into and would appreciate any suggestions re follow up action in regard to this matter.
Very truly yours,
Edward F. Curran
President, RPA
Correspondence from RPA, PAPD member to Port Authority PBA
* February 21, 2006, from RPA member Martin Dunne (PAPD) to Gus Danese, President, Port Authority PBA (Copy Attached)
Meeting With President of Port Authority Retirees Association:
On March 8, 2006 I, along with 1st VP Mike Ferranola, met with Richard K. Helman, President of the PARA, in the RPA office. Purpose of the meeting was to update PARA on our efforts to secure Medicare reimbursement and to secure support of the PARA, in this effort.
NOTE: During my discussion with President Helman, I learned for the first time, that:
"effective July 1, 2000, specifically, non represented Port Authority and PATH employees, retiring on or after July 1, 2000, will be entitled to the reimbursement of Medicare Part B premiums annually, for themselves and their eligible spouse at age 65."
(Copy of Notice Attached).
Your letter to Executive Director Joseph Seymour, dated October 4, 2004, requesting consideration to be giving to providing Port Authority retirees with reimbursement for Medicare Part B premiums has been referred to me for review and response.
First, let me apologize for the delay in not responding to your first two letters; however, the Port Authority has no record of receiving them.
Regarding your request, as you know all benefits are required to be negotiated. Since the Medicare Part B premium reimbursement benefit is not part of the Police Memorandum of Understanding, it cannot be offered to the Port Authority Police Officers on whose behalf you are writing.
Thank you for your inquiry and if I can be of further assistance in the future, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Rosetta A. Jannotta
Dep. Director, Human Resources Dept.
December 4, 2006
Edward F. Curran
President
Retired Police Association of the State of NY, Inc.
1 Old Country Rd, Suite 265
Carle Place, NY 11514-1884
Dear Mr Curran,
Your letter to former Executive Director Joseph Seymour, dated October 18, 2006, requesting consideration to be provides Port Authority Police retirees with reimbursement for Medicare Part B premiums has been referred to me for review and response.
As stated to you in response to your October 4, 2004 letter requesting the same, benefits are required to be negotiated. Since the Medicare Part B premium reimbursement benefit is not part of the Police memorandum of Understanding, it cannot be offered to the Port Authority Police retirees on whose behalf you are writing.
Sincerely,
Michael F. Cavalier
Manager, Employee Benefits
Human Resources Dept.
cc: Rosetta A. Jannotta