News

LATEST NEWS

PRESCRIPTION COVERAGE 2021

Note from President Marcely:

I have recently received complaints about our prescription coverage. It seems that ProAct AND OptumRx suddenly are no longer covering certain meds that they have covered in the past. Instead they are recommending other meds in their place. I've contacted City Hall and rec'd the following from Donna Miller

"Unfortunately, the American Medical Association annually sends out to the prescription companies any Medication changes for the year. We never know which medications will be on the list. Based on this list approved by Medicare certain medication once on this list are no longer covered by the insurance. If this pertains to anyone they then have to contact their Doctor to have them send in a appeal to Proact [or Optum] stating “WHY” the member MUST stay on that particular med as oppose to the substitution. Once they’ve done this the medication will be covered."

The twist is, the new meds should at least be tried before filing an appeal. It is important that the doctor's office explains that the new meds are not as effective as the old ones. ProAct and/or Optum process all orders regardless if you use mail order or in-person prescriptions.

If you need clarification contact Donna Miller at 315-448-8445 or Dmiller@syrgov.net

FEB 2021 MEETING

Correspondence:

The Association continued to receive payment from members for the annual dues

Old Business:

President Marcely asked if members were experiencing problems with the health insurance. None of the members had concerns. However..prescription coverage provided through ProAct and OPTUM have caused some confusion. President Marcely wrote to City Hall with questions and concerns regarding prescription coverage. Donna Miller responded via email. President Marcely read her response to the members. (Members wishing to contact her about these type issues can do so as noted in the above Prescription Coverage note)

New Business:

The Retirees Board of Directors have approved a $1,000.00 (one thousand dollar) donation to the Police Memorial Fund at Forman Park. The money will be used to update the memorial, clean, replant and landscape the area. Brother Jimmy Glavin is exploring the options for new lighting for the memorial and will seek a quote from local lighting companies. Brother Mike Walsh offered suggestions and locations of a lighting company.

Good & Welfare:

nothing to report

Meetings:

The PBA meeting was 25 February
The next FOP meeting is 17 March
Our next Retirees meeting is 31 March

JAN 2021 MEETING

Correspondence:

The Association continued to receive payment from members for the annual dues

Old Business:

President Marcely asked if members were experiencing problems with the prescription coverage provided through OPTUM. Brother James Boynton had some concerns about the cost of some prescriptions. President Marcely advised that the co-pay remains at $15.00 per prescription. He suggested to call Donna Miller at City Hall for advice on prescription coverage
President Marcely discussed the recent commutation of Jimmi Williams by President Trump. Williams is the convicted killer of Brother Wallie Howard. Members discussed their anger and disappointment in the commutation and the distrust of politicians in general

New Business:

President Marcely had invited the new PBA President; Joe Moran to the Meeting. President Moran was unable to attend and had to cancel. Discussion by current SPD Officers and Retirees regarding the working conditions at SPD. The policies and culture of the department has had a negative impact on the active Officers. The Officers feel restraint in the ability to effectively perform their duties. Morale is low, adding to the problems they face.
Brother Mike Walsh advised the group of the passing of Sammy George. George was 89 years old. George was a well known participant in “police activities” for many years, and well known by most members of the Retirees Assoc. Stories were shared regarding the dealings some members had with George. (Both good and bad)

Good & Welfare:

Brother John Brennan advised the group that Bill Croft has contracted Covid 19, and is experiencing health concerns as a result.
Brother Greg Buck is recovering financially from a recent house fire. Donations can be made through a go fund me page. Checks can be sent to the PBA, FOP Offices, or to the Valley Legion c/o Brother Bob Haumann.

Meetings:

The next PBA meeting is 28 January
The next FOP meeting is 17 February
Our next Retirees meeting is 24 February

....... SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUP .......

support

Phyllis Lorenz - "To help others who experience the loss of their spouse, attending calling hours, help with paperwork or anything else that may be needed. We can assist in finding painters, handymen, contractors & yard work.

You can contact Phyllis via email at phylgeorge@aol.com

AIR 1 FOUNDATION

air1

Please help keep Air 1 flying.

The Air 1 Foundation website (Facebook)

.......... IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL RETIREES ..........

HELP FOR SENIORS

For information regarding help with your heating costs, click here
Onondaga County Dept of Adult & Long Term Care.. 315.435.3355
Info regarding Caregiver Services, EISEP, HEAP, HIICAP, Community Service, Adult Protective Services, Mental Health Services, Veterans Services

MEDICARE (Part A & B)

SPD retirees are reminded that they MUST sign up for Medicare Part A & B when they become eligible
That is when they reach age 65 or are declared disabled by Social Security.
At that point, Medicare becomes your primary health insurance and the City's health plan becomes secondary
See United Health Care Section below

MEDICARE-DRUG PRESCRIPTION PLAN (Part D)

Our advice (both the local and state organizations) is DO NOT sign up for Part D-prescription coverage at this time.
If your former employer has prescription coverage, there is NO PENALTY to sign up later. Plus, employers are encouraged by the federal government to keep their prescription coverage. They can receive up to 28% reimbursement for their expenses.

NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT MUSEUM

Would you like to donate your time for a great cause and share your expertise with others?
The National Law Enforcement Museum offers several volunteer opportunities to fit your experience and your schedule. Visitor Experience Volunteers welcome visitors, provide general information about the Museum and help guests plan their journey through the exhibits. Event Volunteers help with special events, such as National Police Week and the Run for the Badge 5K. Volunteer Educators help lead high-quality, visitor-centered tours of the Museum’s collections and exhibits. Are you a current or former law enforcement officer? We have important volunteer opportunities for you, too. Law Enforcement Volunteers share their expertise with visitors and help them see what walking in the shoes of an officer is really like.
To learn more about the volunteer program, please visit the Museum's volunteer opportunities page.

NYS SAFE ACT & RETIREES EXEMPTION

We believe it only exempts retired officers from penalty of possessing large capacity magazines and/or assault type weapons if that retired officer was required to purchase that item by his agency when he was active as a Police Officer or was issued that item by his employer and allowed to keep it upon retirement. In both cases he must register that item within 60 days of retirement. Additionally he must have served at least 5 or more years with that agency and retired in good standing. He also must continually re-qualify with that weapon as required by law.
Link to actual section of the law

PISTOL PERMIT

You are now required to recertify your pistol permit. Here is the link to NYS Troopers website to do so.

Federal Law HR#218 allows retired police officers to carry firearms across state line
IF..You have your retired ID with you AND proof that you have qualified with that type weapon within the last 12 months
Any state firearms instructor may qualify you including any that may be found on our SPONSOR page

..An important aspect of Federal Law HR218 is to remember is that it IS NOT a Concealed Carry Permit
..It is an "Affirmative Defense" to a State charge of weapons possession and that must be raised and proven by the defendant. You lose this defense if you are under the influence of alcohol or another intoxicating or hallucinatory drug or substance. If you have a Concealed Carry Permit, consuming alcohol does not invalidate the Permit, but consuming alcohol does invalidate your HR218 meaning you are subject to a State charge of weapons possession.
..New York Penal Law 265.03, is very clear; if you are convicted of this offense there is a mandatory minimum sentence of 3.5 year in prison
.."A person is guilty of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree pursuant to New York Penal Law 265.03(3) when that person possesses a loaded firearm (pistol, revolver, handgun, etc.) outside his or her home or place of business without a permit regardless of what the intent was".
..Under the laws of New York, loaded does not mean a clip in the gun or a bullet in the cylinder. If the firearm is capable of being loaded and the bullets are in the case with the gun or even in your pocket, you can still potentially be charged with this offense.

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

..Maintenance drugs (those you take all the time) MUST be by mail order in 90 day supplies.
..The original prescription and one refill from the local pharmacy is covered. After that point you will have to pay 100% or use the United HC.
..If your doctor is changing the dosage, that is a new prescription and can be filled at the pharmacy until the dosage is regulated

PROJECT LIFESAVER

Unique transmitter from the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office for Alzheimer's patients
Contact the OCSD at 407 S State St - Syracuse - (315)435-3044

SURVIVOR HEALTH INSURANCE

SPD retiree survivors may continue your health insurance plan for a monthly payment.
Contact City of Syracuse at 315.448.8788 or 315.448.8445 for pricing of individual or family plans.

TAX DEDUCTION FOR INSURANCE PREMIUM

If your health insurance premium is automatically taken from your NYS pension, you may deduct the premiums from the taxable portion of your tax return. You must remember to write PSO; (Public Safety Officer) on the line where you report the taxable amount of your pension. This does NOT apply to Medicare Premiums because they do not come out of your state pension nor does it apply to your state tax form because state pensions are not taxable.

UNITED HEALTH CARE

If you are under 65 yrs of age Excellus is your insurance carrier
If you are 65 and older: United Health Care is your health insurance carrier.
65 and older: You MUST continue your current Medicare coverage & it's payment.
65 and older: Inform your medical provider to call the number on the back of your insurance card and not the providers usual number
65 and older: You need to notify your doctor/medical office to NOT submit their bill Medicare but to the current insurance carrier
Nothing has recently changed regarding what is covered or co-payments, pharmacy choice, etc.
Covered under Part B of Medicare on the City of Syracuse Plan
.. Flu shots, Diabetic testing strips (Lancets and test strips) and glucose meter. You can get both of these at the pharmacy.
.. You can also get Diabetes testing supplies mail order.
.. You may also receive the flu shot at the doctors office with your insurance card.
If you ANY questions or issues contact City Hall: 315.448.8788 or 315.448.8445

VETERANS

If you served 90 consecutive days (or one day wartime) in the US Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines you may be entitled to receive up to $6000 per month for a husband and wife towards nursing home expense or $1344 for assisted living
Contact the Veterans Administration for details

........ MEMBER BENEFITS & DISCOUNTS ........

The below offer a discount/benefit to you because of your membership.

stone

STONE DENTAL & DENTISTRY

You may have a dental discount available .. 315.214.0004 - 5663 E Circle Dr, Cicero

https://stonedentistry.com/

dunn

EDWARD DUNN .. ATTORNEY-at-LAW

He is offering his legal services, at a discount 315.427.5881 - 250 Harrison St, Syracuse

http://dunnrightlaw.com/blog/