Retiree Health Care
This has been making the rounds, appearing in our e-mail a few dozen times:
- A state appeals panel last week gave the city of Chicago the go-ahead to further phase out retiree health-care benefits for city employees who were hired after Aug. 23, 1989.
The 1st District Appellate Court’s decision is the latest chapter in a 30-year legal battle between the city and retirees who have been fighting over whether the municipal government must subsidize its workforce’s health care.
The plaintiffs — a group of at least 300 retired city workers — attempted to stop the city from implementing its 2016 plan for retiree health-care benefits that would, they claimed, create hardship for them.
The plaintiffs sought to thwart the city’s action through a preliminary injunction; the plaintiffs have asserted the city’s three-year retiree health-care plan violates the Illinois Constitution, among other things.
But Cook County Associate Judge Neil H. Cohen ruled in December that city workers who were hired after Aug. 23, 1989, had no expectation of having permanent health-care benefits when they retired, a finding the 1st District panel affirmed.
The prices we've seen going back-and-forth are ridiculous in the extreme - some estimates that will eat up well over half of an entire pension check, just to get coverage for a married couple trying to enjoy their golden years. This is especially galling in light of the fact that cops were shorted expected Social Security benefits by that stamp thief, Rostenkowski.
Essentially, if you're young, you're screwed. If you're old, you're screwed. If you work for the city, you're screwed. Your basic politician, though, they're golden.
Essentially, if you're young, you're screwed. If you're old, you're screwed. If you work for the city, you're screwed. Your basic politician, though, they're golden.
Labels: pension
posted by SCC at 12:01 AM
62 Comments:
This has been coming for a long time, no surprise. The city was on solid ground. Retiree health care was time limited, according to judge Cohen. Subsidized health care will never be seen again. Attack on pension next, expect big move during next Illinois constitutional convention to remove pension protection. The state governor will appoint an emergency manager to usurp mayor and city contractual obligations with employee units. When this happens, many of you will be past 20 year mark and too old to do anything else. Look up the Detroit bankruptcy in wiki. You will see the template for this.when the real estate values fall, it is the end. Not quite here yet.
This was planned so as to dump everyone into Obamacare/Illinois exchange.
Prices will sky rocket us insurers leaving the ACA.
Coming to the rescue is the gov with a single payer plan. Watch and see.
We are from the federal gov and we are here to help.
There is medicare for all 65 and over, and Obamacare was intended to replace all other forms of healthcare, including healthcare through pensions.
So...
When can WE walk away from contractual agreements and
disregard state law?
"No! No! NO!
You Cops got rules to abide by!
We don't. Sucks to be you..."
I guess we'll all be working until we're 63! Yay!
If your spouse works and qualifies for Medicare, you should be able to also get it as a spousal benefit at age 65. After that, get a supplemental policy but stay away from UHC/ UnHealthy Care (greedy quack bastards). Otherwise, a side job will help pay the premiums for REAL coverage instead of the unreliable crap that the "compassionate democrats" have been charging city and county retirees for since they dropped BC/BS as benefits administrators. (Heard good things about Mutual of Omaha health insurance. Check it out. I'm NOT an agent.)
Don't worry, none of this involves the alderscum or the mayor. They still get to keep their Cadillac benefits! Oh yeah and their pension fund is 98% funded as well.
I believe that Aldermen have their retirement health care fully covered after two terms in office, just like congressmen.
That's nice to know.
This is only happening to retired CHICAGO police officers. Every other jurisdiction, from the poorest to the wealthiest, in Illinois ihas not foresaken their police retirees. Thank you for your service.
Does Rham get a Cadillac healthcare plan??? I ask this question cause I am sure some douch has inquired if all the alder-Rats get health insurance, not to mention if someone said.., are all the alder-scum gonna wear cameras??? NO officer bozo, you were sleep during history class during the chapter on what happened at the watergate hotel back in 1972
Judge's pensions are protected under a ruling from last year. This is why I am voting AGAINST the retention of all judges. They always protect themselves and other politicians,
Its confusing as there is also a portion in it that the judge says that persons hired PRIOR to 89 cannot be denied the benefit. They are not time limited as far as the amendments made to the persons hired after 89 which makes them time limited on health care. So which is it. Also if persons hired prior to 89 take the proposed insurance being offered due to the city stopping health insurance for retirees and the Underwood suit is won will the city allow them to again receive the previous benefits?
So sad
I guess the union is trying to help: however, they are giving out false info on the $3000. medical tax benefit. Yes, $3000 is deducted from your pension check's TAXABLE income. You do not realize $3000. EX. you have a 60,000 pension, your W2 will state that your TAXABLE income is 57,000. If you are in the 20% tax bracket you will receive an actual cash benefit of 600. Many members falsely believe they actually receive 3000 dollars and if you call the union that is what they are telling members. So, if you find a plan that can overcome the tax deduction you may be better off.
They want Obamacare. Nothing else.
Why did I even bother becoming a Chicago Police Officer!
This city is nothing more than screwing their Officers who put their lives on the line!
Time to leave this disgusting city and thankless job!
I tell young people all the time, do NOT become a Chicago Police Officer!
I in fact, do NOT allow my kids to take the stupid Police test!
As for as I am concerned every job now is a 19-Paul and fuck off!
This City and this State disgusts me to no end!
I can't wait to leave this shithole!
Da Pelon
But we are screwing you hard working employees and retires for the Children.
The ruling was only on the injunction for the city to go forward. This isn't over yet.
And the DEMOCRATS screw us. Like they have ben screwing us for 40 years.
why are we taking this!?.
It all stems from HALF of Chicago having to pay for the other half........
NO city, state, or country can survive when HALF of its people do not pay anything......
Per the IRS, over 45% of people pay NOTHING in taxes......businesses are leaving in droves, making their HQ's in other countries so as not to pay taxes.....meanwhile, our city and country has done nothing but give, give, give to the non-payers for 5 generations.....stay on welfare, WIC, subsidized housing, Medicaid til your children are grown, then the government puts you on SSI and Medicare..without ever working one day.....NOT ONE DAY! And not to even mention our school system where 90% of children attending have "parents" who have never paid one dime in taxes to support it.
Now add in your way-too-many politicians into this mess, with their outstanding pensions and health plans, and there is the formula to becoming a third world country....we here in this city have aldermen, county supervisors, state reps, state senators, US senator. US reps, a mayor, a Cook County Board, a Governor......with multi-million dollar budgets each and who DO nothing!
But, they took MY S/S, and now 9 1/2 wants me to pay over HALF of my pension for what this city should be taking care of? While he hides his TIF funds and takes care of his friends and family? The money IS there, and the courts need to make him use it to keep the promises made on the day we were hired.....
This mess can truly be blamed on our past FOP representatives! They sold us down the river back in the late 80s by allowing language in our contracts that waived our protection under the Illinois Constitution for retiree healthcare. This opened a window of opportunity for city and the rest is history! Read the ruling yourself:
http://www.krislovlaw.com/assets/1/7/Decision_by_Judge_Cohen_July_20_2016.pdf
This was a test case for the Rahm camp. Now that they won this one, next will be all retiree healthcare including the 55 and out mark my words! There's nothing stopping them now! Thanks FOP!
Sad sad times... Risk your life fighting crime for this thankless city for 30 years and this is what get rewarded with...
Sad
What is the significance of the Aug. 23, 1989 date ???
It's time to stop proctecting these politicians who work a part time & get a pension for it, plus all health care...wake up America..
This is sad only 9 comments.The City knows P.O. will not stand together like the teachers union.The teacher protest and march. They will even strike. P.O. will rather work overtime for themselves than use their spare time to protest and march for everyone.The teacher union may suck, but they stand together.
Yet another reason to vote for the Republican
Does this effect officers who are retiring with the 55 & and out provision of the current contract?
It's Age Discrimination against retirees.
Typical for Communist-Run, Cop Hating, City of Chicago.
Left out Bob Dole who stated Public Safety Pensioners weren't entitled to Social Security and that was a double dip. This from the Guy triple dipping collecting 3 pensions
At the very least, if the City made a promise to cover retirees and in lieu of that the retirees gave up Social Security contributions, then the City ought to make the retirees whole in the Social Security contributions... Pick one.
Retirees should be given a minimum 2 year grace period of extended coverage, until this whole nationwide Healthcare debaucle gets straightened out.
It's bad enough that we are dealing with bullshit from the liberal citizens that want us to fight crimes without being proactive or maybe they are just giving johnny the gangbanger a hug but now the politicians took away retiree health care for any cops hired after 1989. This is ridiculous, we need a better union who looks out for the rank and file. I vote for no more merit promotions since all the cheaters continue to cheat and the merit spots go to pukes who have connections.
I'm sure the chosen people like Cohen are well taken care of, you know they are special. Why can't we file a law suit against him, we should get what he gets because we are all public servants.
Anonymous said...
This mess can truly be blamed on our past FOP representatives!
Sad sad times... Risk your life fighting crime for this thankless city for 30 years and this is what get rewarded with...
10/02/2016 09:53:00 AM
Remember that Billy Dougherty was interviewed in the SouthTown Star newspaper and was quoted as saying "Obama Care was a good option for retirees."
All you retirees remember that when Dougherty, DiMaria, Davis or Ag-u-liar come asking for you to vote for them again.
We BOUGHT and PAID FOR those Social Security Benefits.
Every congress has had bill generated that would restore those benefits. As senators Barrack Obama and Hillary Clinton both co-sponsored those bills. But they never went anywhere, it was if they were never meant to ever get out of committee.
BHO has been POTUS for two terms and never did anything about that and I highly doubt that cop hating Hillary will either.
If you ever get a chance to talk to a politicians, don't be nice to them. Remind them what happened to that arrogant ass Dan Rostenkowski. He was surrounded by government employees and fucked with their benefits. So somebody blew the whistle on his dirty little game with the congressional post office. Remind these politicians that every one of them has secrets, fuck with our benefits and we will sooner or later find out those secrets. I’ve done that and the expression on their faces was definitely :-[
Stay Safe. Register everyone you know and Vote Trump.
Unfortunately these are the officers that retired prior to the 55 and out offer and before turning 60, they knew they had to pay insurance.
Any retired officer ( or about to be retired ) should come to one of the retired meetings, there are breakfasts and lunches. They do a great job of updating you and you get to meet some of your old buddies. Usually there are folks from the union, retired ass'n and pension board.
No rumors, just facts.
Check out the retired site or FOP site for dates and times.
That's right all you first responders give your blood and guts to this city and then get screwed when you retire.
It's been said for over thirty years that medical benefits should have been taken away from the city and should have been ran by the union. It was reported years ago that over ten million dollars a year would have been saved and we would have had better insurance at a lower rate. What is stopping us from doing that now?
What is the significance of the Aug. 23, 1989 date ???
10/02/2016 09:54:00 AM
That is the effective date of amendments made to the Illinois Pension Code.
Anonymous said...
We BOUGHT and PAID FOR those Social Security Benefits.
Every congress has had bill generated that would restore those benefits. As senators Barrack Obama and Hillary Clinton both co-sponsored those bills. But they never went anywhere, it was if they were never meant to ever get out of committee.
BHO has been POTUS for two terms and never did anything about that and I highly doubt that cop hating Hillary will either.
If you ever get a chance to talk to a politicians, don't be nice to them. Remind them what happened to that arrogant ass Dan Rostenkowski. He was surrounded by government employees and fucked with their benefits. So somebody blew the whistle on his dirty little game with the congressional post office. Remind these politicians that every one of them has secrets, fuck with our benefits and we will sooner or later find out those secrets. I’ve done that and the expression on their faces was definitely :-[
Stay Safe. Register everyone you know and Vote Trump.
10/02/2016 05:29:00 PM
You didn't buy and pay for social security benefits. You contributed a little here and there, part time jobs, before and maybe after the being the police. And you will get the appropriate amount back. Before the Windfall Elimination Provision SS was paying benefits like you paid in as a low paid worker your entire life. SS was designed to replace a portion of your income. As much as I would like to double dip and collect more SS it's just not fair. WEP is fair.
This city needs to be more concerned with these medical roll abusers. A female came off medical after a yr and every time she doesn't want training or detail or car hits the medical. Officers on "iod " after no damage to vehicle accident on medical 6 mos. Desk officers constantly on medical. Get kicked out of a cushy office spit just hit the medical. Fix this do not mess with retirees
So what does this mean for the 55-59 yoa retirement for medical agreement?
To escape Obamacare VOTE TRUMP!
Vote NO on the retention of all judges!
The lack of responses here is a perfect of example of why WE get raped by the city when it comes to retirement benefits!!
The younger officers think it doesn't apply to them, but retirement comes faster than you think!! And, the other guys figure " hey I'll just have to work until 55" and they concede. We just bend over! No fight and no out rage!
First of all, we should never just accept ANY reduction in benefits ever!
Secondly, if you think the 55 plan is guaranteed you are a fool! This is only the beginning...
I am told if you retire before age 55 it is about $2200 for insurance
I also understand that is the price through the city, and you can go another route
I also understand the FOP is trying to work something out for a better price
in 2013 we were told the city wanted out of paying premiums for retirees completely by 01Jan17
seems to me this is set in stone now - for those who came on the job after the 1989 date, the city will pay $0 toward your insurance premiums (unless you got the 55 and out of course) (the city used to pay 55% of retirees premiums)
So the current cost of insurance is $2200 - my question is, without the city paying thee 55%, will it go up to $4000/mo?
WTF is going on here?
better question : how much is Obamacare?
You didn't buy and pay for social security benefits. You contributed a little here and there, part time jobs, before and maybe after the being the police. And you will get the appropriate amount back.
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Huh?
You will get about $30 a month after you pay for your Medicare MORON.
In the mean time Dick Durbin will make over $45,000 a year in social security because he scammed at least 30 years of "make believe work" in the private sector where he "earned" over a certain level which exempts him from the Windfall act.
Keep drinking the demo-crat Kool-Aid.
Unfortunately these are the officers that retired prior to the 55 and out offer and before turning 60, they knew they had to pay insurance.
10/02/2016 06:02:00 PM
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ALSO: ALL retired officers once they turn 65.
The "age 55 contract deal" ends at 65.
For you and your spouse you will pay over $700 a month for your supplemental policy that you needed in addition to Medicare.
Hope you like dog food.
I guess we'll all be working until we're 63! Yay!
10/02/2016 01:49:00 AM
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why?
You take it in the ass when you turn 65...
The Contract still stands for the age 55 benefit.
We have to fight til' the death to keep it on the next contract.
But you're still going to get those hard chargers writing tickets and TSS just to work "easy OT" and make lots of money. I don't give a damn about my future, I WANT $ now and don't care about the future.
"Stay fetal my a$$! I needs my money nowz!"
And ye so shall reap what ye sow now, later!
ALSO: ALL retired officers once they turn 65.
The "age 55 contract deal" ends at 65.
For you and your spouse you will pay over $700 a month for your supplemental policy that you needed in addition to Medicare.
Hope you like dog food.
well, the rate for health insurance, for retiree and a spouse (one medicare eligible and one not) is $1200/month
Anonymous said...
So what does this mean for the 55-59 yoa retirement for medical agreement?
10/02/2016 10:12:00 PM
It means, if you were hired before 89 or you retired with the 55-and-out-coverage, you are covered like you always were.
Why isn't Deano calling on all cops to register and vote in the next election?
Recently our Pension Board rep said that there were 11,999 sworn members of which 9,1?? were D-1 paying into our Pension Fund.
That sounded high. I think we are closer to 10,000 total sworn.
This is something the DOJ should investigate and do a forensic manpower audit.
What a voting block that would be if every cop voted and every cop's family member voted. Do you think there would be any trouble funding retiree healthcare if we all voted?
We need to make the politicians FEAR US and Deano isn't doing it and why?
If we were a voting block like the teachers we would get some respect and we might get some of the things we want.
Today the Supreme Court went into session with only eight judges. That's the first time that has happened in twenty-five years. Imagine what will happen, to our job, our healthcare to everything if Hillary is elected and appoints BHO or someone like him to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court.
Register and Vote!
>>>10/02/2016 05:29:00 PM
You didn't buy and pay for social security benefits. You contributed a little here and there, part time jobs, before and maybe after the being the police. And you will get the appropriate amount back. Before the Windfall Elimination Provision SS was paying benefits like you paid in as a low paid worker your entire life. SS was designed to replace a portion of your income. As much as I would like to double dip and collect more SS it's just not fair. WEP is fair.
10/02/2016 08:55:00 PM<<<
Who wrote this Nancy Fucking Palosi?
You can't be a cop or even a government employee so stay off our blog.
WEP Windfall Elimination Provision is fair, my ass.
What ever a worker contributed, at what ever level that a working stiff contributed he should be entitled to collect whatever benefit he earned. Not get 60% of it stolen because he earned something else and given to people who never earned anything. Do congressmen loose their SS benefits because they get a government pension(s). NO! In fact Dan Rot-in-hellkowski collected his congressional pension which he was in prison.
Well I know I have to work still after I retire however I will be happy because I will not be living in Illinois. I will collect pension checks before I'm dead which is exactly what the city want us to be dead after collecting one.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Anonymous said...
So what does this mean for the 55-59 yoa retirement for medical agreement?
10/02/2016 10:12:00 PM
It means, if you were hired before 89 or you retired with the 55-and-out-coverage, you are covered like you always were.
10/03/2016 06:08:00 PM
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I think it also means that as of 01Jan17, amd say they get rid of the 55 and out - you pay all of your health insurance. But I think the city currently pays about 50% of it - so ya, that would go down to 0%/
But I think the 55 and out is just contractual, and not in the pension code - so we have to see whats in the nect contract too. right?
I agree that the Windfall Provision is not fair. I worked full time in the private sector from 18 yoa. I then entered law enforcement at 39 and didn't work any part time after that. My benefits from social security are reduced by almost half. There are many others who did the same.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
I agree that the Windfall Provision is not fair. I worked full time in the private sector from 18 yoa. I then entered law enforcement at 39 and didn't work any part time after that. My benefits from social security are reduced by almost half. There are many others who did the same.
10/04/2016 12:05:00 PM
You missed the other half which is actually worse. If you spouse worked and gets SS you are entitled to half hers. That can amount to $1,000 a month if you spouse had a decent job and worked for say 20-25 treasury. Good ole Dan took that benefit from you. You are only entitled to any benefit that is over 2/3rds of your pension That eliminates all the police
Anonymous Anonymous said...
I agree that the Windfall Provision is not fair. I worked full time in the private sector from 18 yoa. I then entered law enforcement at 39 and didn't work any part time after that. My benefits from social security are reduced by almost half. There are many others who did the same.
10/04/2016 12:05:00 PM
Read about the Government Pension Offset. GPO. you lose the spousal benefit that is worth half yourspouses benefit
Retired before 8/23/89 You stay on City Plan with 55% subsidy
Retired after 8/23/89 You must secure Healthcare for 2017
Retired under the CBA 55/60 clause you stay on the acuity Active Plan until you are Medicare Elligible. Once you go on Medicare you will have to pay for your spouse in full.
Premiums are just one component of the issue. Retirees need to look at the drug cost and if the plan has coverage through the donut hole or coverage gap. Also need to look at copays vs co-insurance. Co-insurance is a percentage of the procedure or service. Co-pay is a flat amount. Out of pocket maximum. How high before everything is covered at 100%. Public exchange=Obamacare. Private Exchange=gives participants access to plans (Gold Plans) that insurance carriers sell off market or off Obamacare. For the non Medicare the networks are just as important as the provisions in the plan.
I heard at a meeting the FOP plan has 2 Medicare Options with no donut hole drug benefit and a Private Exchange. They also have a call center and Advocate that will meet with the retiree to explain what is available. I believe they said the mailing was coming out in mid October.
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