LATEST NEWS
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SEP 2021 MEETING
Correspondence:
- Brother Jim Glavin sent a thank you note to the Association for the support given to the Police Memorial at Forman Park.
- Also we received a thank you letter from Hanna Ryan for the scholarship money she was awarded during the May 2021 meeting.
United Police & Fire Retirees Report:
- Brother Pete Ruczak discussed several issues of concern. The low amount of funds members receive in their pensions was one topic.
- The plaque at Van Duyn School honoring Brother Wallie Howard has been ignored and more attention by active and retired members is appropriate.
- The Association will be offering funds for student scholarships in the spring of 2022. More details to follow.
Old Business:
- There were no major issues discussed
New Business:
- Brother John Corbett found a box in a closet in the PSB containing souvenir license plates given as gifts to retired members. He identified who the plates belonged to and he would deliver them to each member.
- Brother Marty Bailey is now the new Correspondence Secretary for the Association
- Thank you to the Survivor Group for their continued support and desserts.
Next Meetings:
- FOP next meeting is 20 October 2021 1900hrs at Nibseys
- Our next Retirees meeting is 27 October 2021 - 1900 hrs
SEP 21, 2021 - PBA UPDATE: 207C
As 207c denials become more prevalent under this Administration, including retirees who have already been approved 207c status....please note the following:
1- If you receive a 207c denial letter from the City, notify me immediately. According to the 207c policy, you have 30 days to appeal once notification has been made. The PBA does not typically represent members in 207c cases, as they are very difficult to win; however, we can discuss your case and I will give you the best guidance that I can.
2- Organize all of your medical documents associated with your case. Locate your initial 207c approval letter from the City if you still possess it.
3- Consulting with an attorney after you receive a 207c denial letter would also be in your best interest.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Best, Joseph Moran - PBA President
....... SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUP .......
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
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?
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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
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- Nothing has recently changed regarding what is covered or co-payments, pharmacy choice, etc.
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- 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.
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- 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 DENTAL & DENTISTRY
You may have a dental discount available .. 315.214.0004 - 5663 E Circle Dr, Cicero
https://stonedentistry.com/
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/