Links of Interest

RPOAC Report: President’s Message

By Alex Bernard

May, 2008

The United States Supreme Court has declined to hear a case that involves disparate medical benefits for retirees over the age of 65. Their action upheld the decision of U.S. Court of Appeals in Philadelphia that it isn’t age discrimination to have different medical benefits for retirees who are eligible for Medicare. The decision allows for coordination of benefits with Medicare. Employer groups hailed the decision because of soaring medical costs. AARP who filed the case was disappointed in the ruling because it will have an adverse effect on retirees.

What will this decision mean to retirees? It may mean a reduction or elimination of employer medical benefits for those retirees that reach the age of 65. They may have to depend on Medicare for medical coverage. I believe it will be a bigger problem in the private sector than the public sector. Many public jurisdictions already coordinate their retiree medical benefits with Medicare. So hopefully, it won’t have an adverse impact on public employee retirees.

It is interesting to note that employer groups and some unions hailed the decision. They believe the decision will help preserve health benefits for early retirees, pre-aged 65. They feel that relieving the employer of having to pay for the same medical benefits for those retirees over 65; will give employers incentive to fund medical benefits for younger retirees. There may be some merit to that argument, but I don’t that I agree with it. Only time will reveal if that argument is correct.

May is here, which means there will be many peace officer memorial ceremonies celebrated around our country to honor the sacrifices of our fallen brothers and sisters. Let us take time to reflect on what their sacrifices mean to our society and to our profession. They have made the ultimate sacrifice so we may live in safety and enjoy the freedoms granted to citizens of our great country.

I would like to encourage both active and retired peace officers to attend one of many peace officer memorial ceremonies in their local area, state capitol or U.S. Capitol so they pay their respects to those that have made the ultimate sacrifice. It will be well worth your time and effort. I believe that it will inspire you and reinforce in you the feelings of why you became a law enforcement officer. It will be a very positive experience.

We need to also thank our brothers and sisters who were forced to retire from the profession they love because injuries they sustained in the line of duty. They also made a sacrifice to keep our society safe and protected. Although they didn’t make the ultimate sacrifice, their lives were changed forever because of their injuries. They all deserve our respect and gratitude for the service they have rendered to our society. Their personal sacrifices have made our country a better and safer place to live. We need to keep these retired peace officers in thoughts and prayers. I personally want to thank you for your sacrifices.