RETIREE'S PLEASE READ AND CLICK ON THE LINK:
2018 Retiree Healthcare Information
Medicare Eligible Retirees that were required to elect coverage last year. We are aware that you all have received your Medicare premium renewals from both Aetna and BCBS (City Sponsored Plan). After seeing the BCBS MAPD Option 1 premium increase and decrease in benefits (copays and out of pocket maximum), we are happy to see that the Local 2 Sponsored Plan with Aetna last year had proved to be a great benefit to our retired Medicare Eligible members and Spouses that were forced to find coverage. It looks like the Aetna plan option 1 $100.00 per month cheaper BCBS renewal rates. That is an annual savings of $1200 per member or $2400 for member and spouse. If anyone is interested in receiving information on the Local 2 Sponsored Aetna plan options they should call Labor First at (312) 248-6508 or (877) 660-7919.
Local 2 Non-Medicare Group Plan Options - Re: Retired Members that are paying full premium for a Non-Medicare Retiree Plan
Local 2 has continued to work on a "Group" Non-Medicare alternative for you and your dependents. We are pleased to announce The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 7 Chicago and I.A.F.F. Local 2 Chicago Firefighters have been able to secure plan alternatives structured to provide a benefit level that is consistent to the BCBS plans that you may currently participate in with the City of Chicago. These plans are being administered by Labor First. The same Administrator that we use for our Medicare Plans. They can be reached at 312-467-7440 (M-F 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. CST).
Deadline for Enrollment is Wednesday, December 5, 2018.
PLAN OPTIONS
The two plan options being offered by Aetna are both PPO's and will give you access to benefits at a lower monthly premium cost than the 2019 BCBS plans that you are currently enrolled in. One of the biggest differences, other than a lower premium cost, is access to providers and hospitals. Currently you must select the BCBS PPO (Option 1) if you use any of the major hospitals within the Chicago area. The BCBS Blue Choice Select (Option 2) does not give you access to the teaching hospitals or the Advocate system. Hospitals like Northwestern, Advocate Lutheran General or Advocate Christ Hospital. This ultimately forces you to select the more expensive BCBS PPO if you want to continue to see Doctors at these facilities.
The Aetna plans being offered have similar network limitations.
Option 1 is called Aetna Open Access Managed Choice POS - Illinois network. This plan has Aetna's largest National Network and it includes all the teaching hospitals and Advocate in the Chicago area.
Option 2 is called Aetna Open Access Managed Choice POS - Illinois Savings Plus of Chicago network. This network is restricted to the Chicago area, but it includes Northwestern as well as the Advocate System In-Network.
Please look up your providers prior to deciding on a plan selection or call Labor First at 312-467-7440 and speak with a Retiree Advocate who can assist you in your selection. Not every teaching hospital in the Chicago are in the Illinois Savings Plus of Chicago network, but it is larger and more inclusive than the BCBS Blue Choice Select network that you may have today.
Deadline for Enrollment is Wednesday, December 5, 2018.
Below please find the Enrollment Guide and Forms:
2019 Retiree Non-Medicare Enrollment Guide
Non-Medicare Aetna PPO Enrollment Form
Non-Medicare Plan Option 1
Non-Medicare Plan Option 2
If you have any questions, please contact Mike O'Neill or Bill Oswald at Local 2 - 773-536-0450.
If you are approaching Medicare age (65), make sure you and your spouse get any dental work or eyeglasses before the first day of the month in which you turn 65.
You become Medicare eligible the first day of the month of your 65th birthday. Once you become Medicare eligible you lose your dental and vision coverage, and the City will not pay those bills.
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Employee Assistance Department
The Local 2 Employee Assistance Department (EAP) now has a confidential direct line: 773-358-3473
Chicago Fire Fighters Local No. 2 History
Prior to the Civil War, the volunteer fire company was a private service in most American cities. The early "fire society" or "fire brigade" was an association of local citizens banded together for the purpose of protecting community lives and property. In 1831 the Illinois Legislature required any incorporated city or town to have a volunteer department. Chicago's first volunteer company was organized in 1835.
Firefighting soon became an established municipal service manned by a paid ful-time work crew. But this new organization also depended upon the generosity of local politicians for jobs, salaries, and working conditions. A civil service system did not exist. Firefighters were often dismissed when a new political boss gained control of the city. Firefighting jobs were treated as political gifts and men were not always hired for their skills, but for their political contributions at election time.
Like other labor groups, Firefighters contested with management over wages, hours and conditions. But because of their unique status and the community's dependence upon them, their opportunities to press for change were often severely constricted.
Firefighter History Link
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Install and Maintain Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors warn you of fire in time to let you escape. Install them on each level of your home and outside of each sleeping area. Follow the manufacturer's directions, and test once a week. Replace batteries twice a year, or when the detector chirps to signal that the battery is dead. Don't ever take the battery out for other uses!
Plan and Practice Your escape
If fire breaks out in your home, you must get out fast. With your family, plan two ways out of every room. Fire escape routes must not include elevators, which might take you right to the fire! Choose a meeting place outside where everyone should gather. Once you are out, stay out! Have the whole family practice the escape plan at least twice a year.
Space Heaters Need space
Keep portable space heaters at least 3 feet (1 meter) from paper, curtains, furniture, clothing, bedding, or anything else that can burn. Never leave heaters on when you leave home or go to bed, and keep children and pets well away from them.
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