St Paul Police Retirement Association

 Hopefully, those of you on and approaching Medicare have been following the insurance coverage news here and in the media.

We and the St. Paul Veteran Firefighters Association (retired firefighters) discovered our City Medicare insurance contract expired at the end of this year. When we investigated, we found there had been no mention of it at the St. Paul Labor Management Committee on Health Insurance (LMCHI).

Management routinely discusses and negotiates with Labor all health insurance provided by contract or CBA. Or so we foolishly thought. The LMCHI is composed of representatives of all bargaining units in the City (unions) and City Benefits team members. 

We requested our representatives from the Federation (Police) and Local 21 (Fire) place a letter on the August 12 meeting of the LMCHI agenda asking what is in store for 2025 City Medicare users. Go here if you'd like to read about what we found out.

 Members were recently notified that Healthpartners will no longer accept UHC Medicare Advantage Plan insurance coverage. HP cites extraordinary delays and denials by UHC in processing authorizations and claims as the reason. 

When contacted by the SPPRA, City Benefits stated Healthpartners is using a negotiating scare tactic and that it remains UHC’s top priority to reach an agreement. UHC has assured the City that they are committed to utilizing the months remaining on their contract to engage in good-faith negotiations with the goal of renewing the City's relationship and ensuring our Medicare Advantage members have long-term access to HealthPartners. 

Read a August 4th Pioneer Press article here.

Early in July, Don Grundhauser was diagnosed with colorectal cancer with metastasis to his lungs, liver, and lymph nodes.

So, we need to show up big for Donny

The funds raised for the family here will help give access to so many big needs and the best treatment possible. Specifically, it will support traveling across the nation for special treatment. Together we can help with this and many other expenses like gas, parking, meals, medical, and others that we cannot even anticipate.

Thank you in advance for your generosity and support for Donny and his family. Please use the button below to help out.

The 2024 LEOSA/Retiree Carry Reform Act (HR354 & S1462) proposes to broaden carry authority as well as allow states to reduce the qualification frequency requirement. The House bill has passed. The Senate bill was just introduced and is currently in the Senate Judiciary Committee, on which MN Senator Amy Klobuchar is seated.  Your input is always important to these politicians. Go here for more information and contact links.