Superior Officers Council Retiree Health and Welfare Fund

Overview

The Superior Officers Council Retiree Health and Welfare Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing essential health and welfare benefits to retired superior officers of the City of New York Police Department and their beneficiaries.

Purpose and Function

This fund is maintained through a collective bargaining agreement between the City of New York, the Captains Endowment Association, and the Lieutenants Benevolent Association. The City contributes to the fund based on a fixed annual rate per employee and retiree, supporting benefits for over 4600 retired members and their dependents, in addition to over 2500 active members.

Services and Benefits

The fund provides a variety of benefits, including:

• Prescription Drug Coverage: Offers coverage up to $7,000 annually for prescription drug expenses, with higher limits for Medicare-eligible individuals. The plan mandates generic medication when available, limiting coverage for brand-name drugs with generic equivalents[3].

• Optical and Dental Benefits: These are integral parts of the comprehensive health care package offered to beneficiaries[5].

• Death Benefit: A $5,000 death benefit is payable to designated beneficiaries upon approval of the claim[4].

• Continuation of Coverage: The fund provides temporary continuation of benefits under certain qualifying events, such as end of employment or death of the employee, in accordance with federal laws like COBRA[4].

Governance and Management

The Board of Trustees manages the fund and has the authority to modify its benefits and operational policies. They ensure the fund operates in compliance with relevant laws and regulations, protecting the privacy of health information according to HIPAA requirements[4].

Funding and Operations

The benefits are financed from accumulated fund assets under a Trust Agreement, which also covers administrative expenses[1][5]. The Superior Officers Council plays a crucial role in negotiating these benefits through collective bargaining agreements with the City of New York.

Specific Programs

• HIP Reimbursement for Retirees: Retirees with HIP coverage are partially reimbursed for the cost of the HIP High Option Rider, which includes prescription drug coverage, up to $350 annually[3].

Impact

By providing these benefits, the Superior Officers Council Retiree Health and Welfare Fund supports the health and financial security of retired superior officers and their families, contributing to their overall well-being.