At its regular meeting last Tuesday, the Mayor and Board of Aldermen approved several changes to the city’s retiree insurance policy.
The city has removed the previous minimum age requirement of 52. Now, retirees must have worked for the city for at least 20 continuous years to qualify for coverage—double the previous requirement of 10 years.
Officials also said retirees must be part of the state’s Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) at the time of retirement to be eligible.
Health insurance coverage under the city’s plan will end when the retiree turns 65. Retirees also cannot be enrolled in Medicare, receive Social Security disability benefits, or have another health insurance plan to qualify.
The policy covers only the retiree. Family members are not eligible, but they can continue coverage for up to 18 months through COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act).
Premiums must be paid to the city by the first of each month, or the next business day if the first falls on a weekend or holiday. If payment is late, coverage will be canceled.
Retirees must apply for the insurance at least 31 days before their retirement date. The city also has the right to end the policy with 60 days’ notice.
Retirees will receive the same health coverage as current employees but must pay the full premium cost themselves, officials said.
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