I’m sure you’ve all heard that our medical coverage funded through the LAFPP (Los Angeles Fire and Police Pensions) was under attack again. In November 2016, our pension board authorized the release of Requests for Proposals (RFP’s) for group medical, dental and vision insurance plans. The purpose of the RFP’s was to find suitable insurance plans for the group of LAFPP pensioners who are losin’ access to their current LACERS plans, as well as for Port Police and Airport Police Officers as they retire. Port and Airport Police are not permitted to enroll in plans that are currently offered by the Police Relief Association, LAFRA or UFLAC. Because they’re goin’ to be kicked out of their current LACERS plan, they basically do not have the secondary medical coverage that members of the Fire and Police Relief Associations enjoy.
So, the powers that be thought it would be a good idea to eliminate our secondary medical coverage through LAFRA and put everyone into inferior medical plans, such as SCAN (pronounced SCAM) or LaborFirst supplemental plans.
Even the LAFPP commission president, Pedram Salimpour MD, was in favor of this change, even though these new benefits are significantly inferior to the medical coverage currently provided to LAFD retirees.
However, on June 15, 2017, the monthly meetin’ of our Pension Board was held and a very large group of retired fireman, about 200 retirees and 50 active members, showed up to voice our concerns over possibly losin’ our LAFRA, or Kaiser health plans, to the board. Many members addressed the board and voiced their displeasure over this proposed change. The Pension Board seemed a bit overwhelmed by the number of retirees present and the fact that those that spoke had all the same concerns.
We all worked many years and fulfilled our obligation and pledge to protect life and property. Our pension and the associated benefits were written in black and white, and laid out for us when the time came to retire. However, because we are retired. I believe we are viewed as second class individuals that are an easy target for the City. Because the SCAN and LaborFirst plans are inferior and cost less, the City sees this as a cost saving endeavor.
But thank the good Lord for our FIRE FAMILY. You know, the FAMILY that we all belong to that has our backs and supports us in times of need. Come on, I see it all the time.
When our brothers and sisters pass or find themselves in need of helpin’ hands, this FAMILY reaches out and displays much care and concern. However, I think for us Retired Guys, the FAMILY took a permanent vacation. Don’t misunderstand, I’m not lookin’ for a shoulder to cry on but rather for the City to step up to the plate and keep their promises to us.
I also expect UFLAC to fight for us and to remember we all fulfilled our obligations to the City and deserve to have our benefits protected and preserved.