.: Welcome to the MBPOA Retiree Medical Benefit Trust Site
The Manhattan Beach
Police Officers' Association Retiree Medical Benefit Trust was created in 1997 by the officers of the Manhattan Beach Police Department.
The goal of the Trust is to help retired member officers with the significant financial burdons of medical, dental, and vision care expenses.
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.: The Latest News
National
CCW Law Requires Annual Firearm Qualifications. -
In 2004, HR-218, The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act, among other things, established the right, with limitations, of certain active and
retired peace officers to carry firearms in all states. One of the requirements of the act, however, is that a retired officer "during the
most recent 12-month period, has met, at the expense of the individual, the State's standards for training and qualification for active law
enforcement officers to carry firearms." In other words, for HR-218 to apply, retired officers must qualify every 12-months, as opposed to every
five years as required by MBPD Department Policy. So, if you'll be traveling outside California, and want to carry a firearm with you, you'll need
to be sure you've qualified at the range within the past 12-months.
PERS
Will Offer Vision Care Plan to Retirees - PERS has announced it will offer
a Vision Care plan to retirees from local public agencies, school districts, and the University of California. The plan will be member funded
and will be similar to the Vision Care Program currently offered to State retirees. Created by the passage of AB65, the programs ongoing costs
will be covered by enrolled retirees premiums. Unfortunately, the legislature failed to appropriate start-up funding, so it is unclear when
the program will actually be available.
PORAC LDF To Offer Coverage to Retirees! - PORAC's Legal Defense Fund
will offer coverage for PORAC Retired Associate Members. The plan will provide members with legal representation for civil and criminal
defense related to use of a firearm in self defense or the defense of others in response to an imminent threat of serious bodily harm. The plan
will also provide legal representation for any criminal matter relating to the possession of a concealed firearm that is not precluded under local
law. To qualify for the coverage the participant must possess a current Concealed Weapons Permit issued by the agency from which they retired. The plan also
offers representation at administrative appeals for retirees who are denied concealed weapons permits. The plan has specific exemptions, including use of a
firearm during employment or in domestic violence situations. The cost to participate in the plan is $48.00 per year. The plan requires that 1000 RAM members
must participate for the plan to go into effect.
- PORAC LDF has
reconsidered the policy that it will only provide
LDF coverage to retirees who strictly follow all the requirements of H.R. 218. Retired LDF Members will now be provided legal representation even if they don't
meet all the federal requirements. PORAC LDF wants it to be clear, however, that it is each members responsibility to be sure they meet all the H.R. 218
requirements. Click Here for a copy of the H.R. 218 PORAC LDF Plan Ammendment, Frequently Asked Questions, and a Plan Application.
Trust Board Sets 2010 Benefit Level
- The MBPOA Retiree Medical Benefit Trust Board of Directors has voted
to set the 100% vesting benefit level at $225.00 for 2010. The decision was made after reviewing the Trust Fund's financial status
and the predicted number of beneficiaries for the coming year, coupled with the fiduciary responsibiltiy to the Trusts long term
viability. The Trustees agreed to review the fund's status in six months to dertermine if a mid-year change in benefit is warranted.
MBPOA Retiree Medical Benefit Trust Board Election
Results! - The members of the Manhattan Beach Police Officers'
Association elected Steve Tobias and Andrew Enqiquez to the Retiree Medical Benefit Trust Board
of Directors. Leaving the Board are Nan Rados and Ryan Small. The Trust owes both a debt of gratitude for their service.
Split Between Associations Means New Offerings! -
After nearly a year, a settlement between the Peace Officers Research of California (PORAC) and the Retired Peace Officers Association of California (RPOAC)
seems unlikely. Both associations seem to have entrenched their positions and to be prepared to live independent of the other. PORAC has
created the Retired Associate Member status at a lower annual cost than RPOAC's annual dues. For their part, RPOAC has increased their insurance
offerings, and provide, at least, an alternative to PERS' and PORAC's offerings. The decision to join one, both, or neither association remains an individual choice. Both PORAC RAM and RPOAC have web sites that detail their offerings and have
knowledgeable people to speak with to assist in making a sound decision. To learn more about the PORAC RAM program,
click here. To apply online for membership,
click here. For information on RPOAC's offerings, click here.
To download a RPOAC membership application, click here. To learn more about the dispute,
see a letter from PORAC and a letter from RPOAC.
Government Service Reduces Social Security Benefits!
- In about 15 States, including California, government
employees typically don't contribute to the Social Security System. Most government employees worked in the private sector prior to
their government service. Many worked enough time to qualify for Social Security benefits. Few, however, know that their government
pensions significantly reduce the Social Security benefits they and their spouses would otherwise qualify for. See the Members Area
for details on these unfair portions of the Social Security Act.
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