On March 9, 2023, the Municipal Labor Committee (MLC) issued a press release distributed by MLC Chair Harry Nespoli regarding the March 9th Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan vote. The DEA voted no, as did the other NYC police and fire unions. But, because of the weighted nature of the MLC vote — where one vote is granted for every 250 union members (as per MLC bylaws) — the vote was 79% in favor of the new Medicare Advantage Plan. There will be further details to follow, but this essentially means that this new premium-free plan will replace GHI Senior Care as the free Medicare retiree plan.
But, because there is a pending lawsuit regarding the City’s plans, City Comptroller Brad Lander used a rarely-invoked City Charter authority to reject the contract inked by the Mayor. The City reviewed the letter from the Comptroller’s office; however, the Charter also gives the Mayor the power to override the Comptroller’s contract rejection; and on June 15, 2023, the Mayor did just that. He overrode the objections.
Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Lyle Frank asked the Adams administration to file a formal response to the lawsuit brought by City retirees by June 16, 2023. We will keep members apprised as more information becomes available.
Supplemental Union Benefits
The DEA received several phone calls from concerned members asking whether the new Medicare Advantage plan would change other aspects of their DEA health benefits, such as dental, optical, or prescription drug coverage. The answer is no. Whether a member chooses to utilize the new Medicare Advantage plan, or whether he/she opts out of the plan, it does not affect any of the DEA covered benefits, such as dental, optical, or prescription drug coverage which remains the same. Details about all our retiree health benefits, including our hearing aid voucher and body scanning programs, can be found under Health Benefits on this website.
Here’s the backstory:
The City has now signed the Medicare Advantage contract with Aetna.
We are posting some additional information to continue to answer any questions you may have about this health benefits program.
The DEA has received several phone calls from concerned members asking whether the new Medicare Advantage plan will change other aspects of their DEA health benefits, such as dental, optical, or prescription drug coverage. Please be advised the answer is no. Whether you choose to utilize the new Medicare Advantage plan, or whether you choose to opt-out of the plan, it does not affect any of your DEA covered benefits, such as dental, optical, or prescription drug coverage which remains the same. Retired DEA members are covered for dental under the DEA’s Cigna Dental Plan. Retired DEA members are covered for prescription drugs under our Express-Scripts prescription drug plan. Retired DEA members are covered for their optical needs through Davis Vision and Vision Screening. The DEA also has a Hearing Aid allowance.
Click on the pdf link below to read the City’s press release about the Aetna agreement.
City OLR Press Release 3.30.23
Over the past several weeks, there has been some confusion as to the provisions of the contract. Click on the pdf link below to read a memo addressing the fundamental misconceptions being circulated.
Common.Misconceptions.Aetna.MA.PPO
Finally, a number of people have raised questions about Option C of the Aetna Medicare Advantage contract. Click on the pdf link below to read a letter from New York City Labor Commissioner Renee Campion explaining that the option is a possibility for the future, not one that the City would contemplate now.
R. Campion Letter to Harry Nespoli 3-30-23
As of September 1, 2023, the only two health plans that will be available to NYC Medicare eligible retirees will be the Aetna Medicare Advantage PPO plan (available in all 50 states) and the HIP VIP plan (available in the NYC metropolitan area only). Both plans will be at no contribution cost to retired members and the City will continue to provide annual Medicare Part B reimbursement to retirees enrolled in those two plans.
All other City retiree medical plans that are currently available will no longer be available as of September 1, 2023. Should you opt out of City health plan coverage, the City would no longer provide Medicare Part B reimbursement.
All of these plan changes, while scheduled to be effective September 1st, are naturally subject to pending lawsuits and litigation which continues.
The DEA will provide updates to our members as we learn more.
Here’s more backstory:
On March 9, 2023, the Municipal Labor Committee (MLC) issued a press release distributed by MLC Chair Harry Nespoli regarding the March 9th Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan vote. The DEA voted no, as did the other NYC police and fire unions.
But, because of the weighted nature of the MLC vote — where one vote is granted for every 250 union members (as per MLC by-laws) — the vote was 79% in favor of the new Medicare Advantage Plan.
There will be further details to follow, but this essentially means that this new premium-free plan will replace GHI Senior Care as the free Medicare retiree plan.
We will distribute more information as it becomes available. But, the following documents concerning the program should answer any questions you have. Click on the pdf file below to access a booklet from Aetna and the City of New York:
Aetna Medicare Advantage Handbook 2023
Click on the following pdf link for a brochure that explains the issue of prior authorization:
2023 Aetna M A Prior Authorization Booklet
Click on the pdf link below to read the press release from the MLC.
Click on the pdf link below to read the Letter to Retirees from the Office of Labor Relations.
And click on the pdf link below to read the comparison chart that outlines features of the new Aetna Medicare Advantage PPO as compared to the GHI/Empire BlueCross BlueShield Senior Care plan and the HIP VIP Premier Medicare HMO plan.
