Section 5-1: Health Insurance

A.  Effective August  1,  2002,  the  City  and  Union  agree to maintain the  current  80/20 split  for  health  insurance  for  both  single  and  family  coverage.    If  there  is  a  rate increase  or  decrease  in  2003,  the  City  shall  pay  80%  of  the  new  monthly contribution and the employee will pay 20%.

B.  The City agrees to  the  continuation  of a Health Insurance Advisory Committee for the  purpose  of  studying  existing  plans  and  to  explore  alternative  plans.  The Committee  shall  include  representatives  from  the  City  and  a  Local  2960 representative.

C.  It  is  understood  between  the  City  and  the  Union  that  any  changes  in  health insurance benefits and/or rates shall be effective on or about August 1, and that the City’s  monthly  contributions  will  not,  under  any  circumstances,  exceed  the  actual premium cost.

D.  Effective August 1, 1988, the City will implement an Employee Assistance Program which will provide confidential  individual  and family counseling to all unit members and their eligible dependents.  These services will be furnished by an independent contract agency to be chosen by the City.

E.  Employees  in  positions  in  classifications  320  and  below  will  receive  a  health insurance  supplement  allowance  of  $66.50  two  (2)  times  a  year  to  be  paid  in August  and  February.    Regular  bargaining  unit  employees  must  be  enrolled  in current City Health Insurance Program to receive this benefit.

F.  Commencing July 1994, all Unit III Police employees will be included in coverage of the Police Officers Assistance Program.

G.   An additional Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan (MERP) supplement  of $100 will be paid to unit employees who retire on or after July 1, 2007 and are within 15 years  of  becoming  retirement  eligible  as  of  August  1,  2007  and  who  choose  the City’s  family  coverage.  This  additional  MERP  amount  will  be  paid  until  retirees reach age 65.  Any  unit employee who  retires  after July  1,  2009, and  is eligible  to receive MERP, as determined on August 1, 2007, will receive this additional MERP amount  for  either  family  or  single  coverage  until  age  65.  This  credit  is  applied directly to the retiree’s premium deduction.

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