Legislative information
June 20 , 2025
I am grateful to The Court of Appeals for recognizing, that the city has a legal right to offer alternative healthcare options to retirees. This is an important precedent that will allow the city to modify plans in response to evolving conditions. At the same time we have heard from retirees about these potential changes and the administration remains focused on ensuring that NYC remains an affordable place to live. Thankfully we have found other ways to address health care costs, while providing quality health care coverage for our city’s workers, and we have decided NOT to move forward with the Medicare Advantage plan at this time. We have informed union leadership that we are pursing other avenues for improving health care for city workers
June 18, 2025
NYS Court of Appeals ruled that the city can indeed switch retired city workers to a Medicare Advantage Plan. However in a related ruling in Dec. 2024, the Court of Appeals ruled that the city must continue to offer a traditional Medicare supplemental plan (Senior Care) and pay the full cost of any health plan it offers.
The June ruling allows the city to move forward with implementing a Medicare Advantage Plan for retirees.The Dec. ruling regarding the continued offering of traditional Medicare raises questions about the practical implementation of the Medicare Advantage plan and it is also possible that the city may have to cover the cost of both options if retirees choose to remain on traditional Medicare.
The NYC Organization of Public Service Retirees stated they plan to appeal the June 18th decision. There is also a pending bill in the city Council (Intro 1096) that if passed would require the city to provide traditional Medicare to retired city employees.The city faces ongoing legal challenges and the requirement to potentially offer and pay for a traditional Medicare option based on a previous court decision.
The city council members listed above are the ones who support city workers. ALSO even though this matters is taking place in the city, IF THE ADAMS ADMINISTRATION WINS, THIS WILL AFFECT STATE RETIREES AS IT WILL ALLOW HOCHUL TO DO THE SAME WITH STATE RETIREES HEALTH INSURANCE
June 8, 2023
The NYC Comptroller's office DECLINED to register the city's contract with Aetna regarding the Aetna Medicare Advantage PPO Plan.
The press release by Comptroller Lander states that the "pending litigation" (by the NYC Organization of Public Services , on behalf of retirees), "calls into question the legality of this procurement and constrains us from fulling our Charter mandated responsibility to confirm that procurement rules were followed, sufficient funds are available, and the city has the necessary authority to enter into a contract.
He states that " I am seriously concerned about the the privatization of Medicare plans, over billing by insurance companies, and barriers to care under Medicare Advantage."
We will keep our members updated as this and pending litigation proceeds.
comptroller.nyc.gov/newsroom
Retired Sgt Association
June 22, 2023
Arguments regarding the Injunction/Restraining order will be held after July 4th and before July 10th. The Aetna MA opt -out date was voluntarily extended to July 10th.
On Sept 1, 2023, all NYC retirees who are Medicare eligible and their dependents, will be automatically enrolled in the Aetna Medicare Advantage PPO Plan. Those who do not wish to be enrolled can OPT Out and enroll in HIP VIP. HIP is available in the 5 city boroughs, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland & Orange counties.
If you wish to enroll in HIP instead of Aetna contact Aetna at 1-855-648-0389 Mon-Fri 8am-9pm or the Aetna website CONY.AetnaMedicare.com indicating you wish to opt out of the Aetna Plan.
If you are currently in HIP and wish to enroll with Aetna you must complete the Heath Benefits Program Retiree Special Enrollment Waiver Form. Form should be returned to the NYC Heath Benefits Program.
If you DO not wish to be enrolled in The Aetna PPO Plan or HIP VIP can waive City health coverage.
You must complete the Heath Benefits Special Enrollment/Waiver Form to waive city heath coverage.
* Retirees who waive health coverage are NOT eligible for Medicare Part B reimbursement
* Retirees who waive their city coverage can re-enroll should they experience a loss of coverage or during the annual Retiree Transfer Period.
Contact Aetna directly between May 1 & July 10th to opt out of the Aetna PPO PLan. You will be automatically enrolled in HIP Sept.1, 2023
July 7, 2023
From Retired Sgt Association
A Motion was made for "Injunction/Restraining Order" regarding the Aetna MA Plan. On July 6th the Injunction was granted.
The City are estopped from switching retirees into a Medicare Advantage Plan .
The plan is on hold and will not be implemented on Sept. 1st. We are sure the city will appeal but we believe this TRO will stand. It is also possible that Aetna may withdraw their plan.
March 21, 2024
Oral arguments were heard today, and we were given a unanimous decision. The Court said, the City cannot take away their Medicare Supplement, and the city could not automatically enroll retirees in a new Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan.
