Welcome to March! The month of March symbolizes growth and transformation. As we enter this month, we can look forward to the much-anticipated start of spring and the return of daylight saving time. I’m sure many of you are ready for drier skies as we end a very wet February. May you and your families be filled with happiness as we celebrate your success this new year.
One of the most important documents to look out for every year is the Member Summary Report. You will be receiving this report in the mail this month, and it’s imperative you review all the information included to be certain LAFRA has the correct information. This document includes vital information like the current address, phone number, email address, PPO medical coverage, long-term care coverage, estate planning benefit, beneficiaries, and WODFF monthly donation amounts. Please open your mail and verify this information for yourself, and more importantly, your beneficiaries. If you need to make changes, please go to the All-Forms tab at the bottom of the LAFRA.org website. There are two options to make these changes. You can use the online version for both the Update Form and the Designation of Beneficiary Form to submit your changes. You can also complete the forms and scan them to member-services@lafra.org or mail them back to the LAFRA office. If your information is correct, there is no need to call or send forms back. Please direct any questions you have to our member services department at 323-259-5200, and they will be happy to assist you.
Are you planning on having children? The LAFRA PPO plan has you covered for your Maternity care. Maternity care for Physician services is covered at 100% with a PPO provider. If you choose to use a Non-PPO Provider for Physician services, you are still covered at 100%. We would recommend you choose a PPO Provider as there could be some out-of-pocket charges with a Non-PPO Provider. Inpatient Maternity Care is also covered at 100% while using a PPO Provider. You will be responsible for a small $250.00 deductible for your entire inpatient care stay. YES! You heard correctly, the only amount you will pay out of pocket is $250.00. The average cost of a vaginal delivery is $18,865, while a Cesarean delivery is $27,500. If you choose a Non-PPO Provider, you’re covered at 70% with a $250.00 deductible. The LAFRA PPO Medical Plan covers Midwife services at 100% with a $15 copay if you use a PPO Provider. Many of the available Midwife services are not contracted, making them a non-PPO provider, which will result in some out-of-pocket expense. Please have your provider verify benefits with HealthComp, our third-party administrator, before you agree to any services provided by your Midwife. If your provider does not work with insurance, you can provide a quote for services to HealthComp directly. Please refer to your LAFRA PPO card for contact information.
RELIEF SCHOLARSHIP: It’s that time of year for your children to submit for the Relief Association Scholarship Awards. The filing period opens Friday, March 1, 2024, and closes March 31, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. The scholarship evaluation/exam will take place on Saturday, April 13, 2024. For more information, send an email to scholarship@lafra.org. As a reminder, LAFRA scholarships are for high school seniors and qualified college students per LAFRA scholarship policy. The application will be available on March 1, 2024, at lafra.org/scholarships. The Relief Scholarship Awards have been helping our eligible dependents of active and retired Relief Association members for 28 years. LAFRA is excited to provide financial assistance to students who will become our next generation of leaders.
ARE YOU APPROACHING MEDICARE AGE? For members and eligible dependents covered under the Relief PPO Medical Plan, there are adjustments in premiums for those reaching the age of 65, who are no longer active duty. If you are not aware, it is mandatory to sign up for Medicare. You should begin the enrollment process with Medicare 90 days before your 65th birthday to allow sufficient time to process your application. You are typically eligible for Medicare if you are: 65 or older, under 65 with certain disabilities, have End-Stage Renal Disease, or have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
There are three main parts of Medicare:
PART A Hospital Insurance: Provides coverage for inpatient hospital care, hospice, and some skilled nursing care. You usually don’t pay a premium for Part A coverage if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes while working and you have the required Social Security credits. If you aren’t eligible for premium-free Part A, you may be able to buy Part A. The Relief does not require you to enroll in Part A if you are not eligible.
PART B Medical Insurance: Offers benefits for doctor services and outpatient care in addition to other medical services such as physical therapy, durable medical equipment, and some home health care. You will be required to pay a premium for Part B. Members must enroll in Part B to receive the subsidy and lower the LAFRA PPO insurance premium.
PART D Prescription Drug Insurance: The Relief offers creditable prescription coverage (coverage that will pay, on average, at least as much as Medicare’s standard prescription drug coverage) to its members. Therefore, Relief Association members do not need to enroll in Medicare Part D.
How do I sign up for Medicare? Visit your local Social Security office or contact Social Security at (800) 772-1213. You can also obtain information on your Medicare eligibility, the latest deductible rates, and premiums, by visiting medicare.gov. Once on the site, click “Enrollment” and use the Medicare Eligibility Tool for a step-by-step guide.
Upcoming Events:
• Hook and Ladder- 3/16
• Scholarship Application Filing – 03/1 to 3/31
• Scholarship Exam Day- 4/13
• Lane Kemper- 4/24
• Pechanga Reunion- 5/13 to 5/17
• Hope for Firefighters- 6/6
Christopher Stine
president@lafra.org
323.259.5202