Dear LAFD Member,
I’m so proud that again this year we are able to offer you a comprehensive medical plan that is affordable. Please review your medical benefit options and crunch the numbers to determine how much each plan can really cost you. Keep in mind, your out-of-pocket costs will consist of premium contributions, deductibles, copays and coinsurance. I’m confident, as are LAFRA’s Trustees, that when you “kick the financial tires” you will see the clear advantages of LAFRA PPO Medical Plan. You’ve received a lot of information lately, some of which can be confusing, so I’d like to point out a few items which will help you make a more informed decision about your benefits.
A Member’s share of the LAFRA PPO Plan premium for a Member or Member + 1 is $0.00. If you are in one of these coverage tiers, you do not have to pay a premium and you will have a medical plan that covers most covered benefits at 100% or with a minimal copay.
LAFRA vs UFLAC
Plan Comparison & Active Rates | Claims Examples | Retiree Rate Comparisons
KICK THE TIRES!
- There are NO HIGH DEDUCTIBLES that have to be met before our PPO Plan benefits apply. The High Deductible Health Plan HSA option has a family deductible as high as $3,000 that you have to meet before the coinsurance is applied. $3000 is a lot of money.
- The City will not make contributions to an HSA account after retirement.
MEDICARE PLAN MEMBERS BE CAREFUL – THE IRS IS WATCHING
Per the IRS, a Medicare enrolled Retiree cannot make contributions to an HSA. Check the IRS website for all tax restrictions and requirements for HSAs.
NO OUTSIDE INSURANCE COMPANY CALLING THE FINAL SHOTS
The LAFRA PPO Plan was created by firefighters for firefighters and that’s how we run it. All final Plan management decisions are made by a team of your elected LAFRA Trustees, in the best interest of LAFD firefighters and their families. If someone in your family had a serious medical problem, who would you want making final benefit decisions – a fellow firefighter or an insurance company?
HERE TO HELP WHEN YOU NEED US
LAFRA has a dedicated, full time staff on hand to answer your questions, either by phone or in person. We also have a dedicated on-site team from our Third Party Administrator (TPA) to answer your claims and benefit questions.
ASK YOUR FRIENDS
The best endorsement is the number of firefighters actually covered by LAFRA. How much credit would you give to someone recommending another plan if at the same time they were actually covered by LAFRA? Instead, ask your friends covered by LAFRA about how LAFRA has been there for them, their families and other firefighters. We want to be there for you too.
If you have any questions, contact Member Services at (323) 259-5287 or memberservices@lafra.org. We want to make sure you are well informed to make the best decision for you and your family.
Sincerely,
Robert D. Steinbacher
President
Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association