|
Fourth watch: Covering All the Bases
How to relax and enjoy the game of life - after retirement
In our last issue, FOURTH WATCH brought our readers information on how to join the Retired Chapter of CCPOA. Within that
article, we offered a brief overview of the benefits available through the CCPOA Benefit Trust Fund to retiring members who become part of the Association's Retired Chapter. The following information, provided by the Benefit Trust Fund, offers more details on those retiree benefits. For answers to your specific questions on the benefits available to active or retired members, please call the Benefit Trust Fund at (800) IN-UNIT-6, or (916) 779-6300.
BASIC BENEFITS
CCPOA Retired Chapter members receive a $20,000 basic life insurance benefit - (an increase from the 2007 $3,500 basic life insurance) - and a $10,000 spousal benefit. At age 70, the benefit amount reduces to $1,000 for the retired member, and the spousal benefits ends.
TERM LIFE INSURANCE
The biggest change in benefits for retirees is the ability to carry your existing CCPOA Supplemental Term Life coverage into retirement - without going through underwriting. If you are retiring soon and would like to carry your Supplemental Term Life into retirement, you can request enrollment materials from the Benefit Trust Fund. Be sure to do it at least three months before your retirement date.
If you are already a Retired Chapter member, you can apply for the Supplemental Term Life product, which now features coverage up to $500,000, with spousal coverage for up to one half of the member's benefit amount. In October 2007 premiums for this program were lowered for our already low group rates - making CCPOA's Supplemental Term Life a great way to protect your family's future. Underwriting is required for those not rolling over their insurance product upon retirement, and there are also reductions in benefit amounts at specified ages. Premiums are based on the active CCPOA member group rates, making this an essential and affordable life insurance program.
RETIREE ACIDENTAL DEATH AND DISMEMBERMENT
Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance is a way to protect your family from the financial hardship of an unexpected severe injury or accidental death. The Trust has a special ADD voluntary program for retirees. Administered through Hartford Life, this program provides up to $100,000 in principal sum.
PIGGYBACK: Dental, Vision, Hearing Aid
The Trust administers a special Piggyback program for members of the Retired Chapter. This program is designed to help offset the out-of-pocket expenses of your retirement dental, vision, and hearing aid benefits. In 2007 the Trust introduced an orthodontic benefit for retirees. Now, Retiree Piggyback pays a 50 percent benefit for orthodontic care, with a family lifetime maximum of $500. There is a one year waiting period for this coverage and, to be eligible, the orthodontic treatment cannot begin before the waiting period has expired.
MEDICAL
The CCPOA Medical Plan and Medical Plan Medicare Supplement are available to retired members in many areas of California. Enrollment is through CalPERS during either an open enrollment period or at the time of retirement. Designed with the correctional peace officer in mind and administered through Blue Shield, the CCPOA Medical Plan has a large network of providers, including Sutter in the greater Sacramento region, affordable regional rates, health programs, a 24/7 Nurseline, and online health programs.
VISION
The voluntary BTF Retiree Vision Program is offered through Vision Service Plan (VSP), and has two levels of coverage designed to provide rich vision-wellness benefits. Featuring a VSP frame benefit of $150 every two years, the basic plan provides significant vision benefits. Participants can enroll in the CCPOA Retiree Vision Plan at anytime during the year and may cancel in writing.
LEGAL
Your need for practical, personal legal counsel may continue into retirement. That's why the CCPOA Benefit Trust Fund offers the CCPOA Family Legal Plan for retired members. You can enroll in either the Basic Family Legal Plan for $13.99 per month, or choose the CCPOA Caldwell Legal Business Protector Plan at $32.99 per month for members who are business owners.
CORRECTION
There are a few changes to information printed in the FOURTH WATCH department, Joining the Retired Chapter, that ran in the April 2008 issue. The (916) Sacramento number shown for the CCPOA Benefit Trust Fund was incorrect. The correct local BTF number should have read (916) 779-6300. We regret any inconvenience this error may have caused. Also, the Senior Term Life Insurance transitioned to Supplemental Term Life Insurance during 2007, and Senior Vision is now available. Call the BTF office for more information.
 Print This Page
Back to Volume 25, Issue 3
Back to PEACEKeeper Main Page
|
