UPDATED March
31, 2025
Home Latest News Contact Us
Membership
Forms Board Members Political & Legal Issues Ass'n & Dep't
History Sick Desk Obituaries Health &
Welfare Meetings & Events By-Laws Keeping In
Touch Photo Archive Links
|
|
|
|
|

|
|
|
March 31,
2025
MEDICARE PART 'B' REIMBURSEMENT |
|
|
Thanks to Lou Hollander keystonecop1@verizon.net
for sending this information.
MEDICARE PART B REIMBURSEMENT FOR THOSE ON
MEDICARE
2024 Medicare Part B reimbursements will be issued during the
third week of April 2025. Please check your bank
account/statement If you don’t have EFT or direct deposit, you
will receive a check in the mail in June.
Learn more about Medicare Part B Reimbursement at the Office of
Labor relations web site. https://www.nyc.gov/site/olr/health/retiree/health-retiree-medb-irmaa.page
IRMAA 2024 Reimbursement
Medicare-eligible retirees and their Medicare-eligible
dependents can submit an IRMAA application if they paid above the
standard amount of $164.90 per month ($1,978.80 annually). If you
did not pay more than the standard amount then you are not eligible
for IRMAA.
IRMAA 2023 annual reimbursements were issued
during the third week of October 2024.
Learn More about IRMAA Medicare Part B Reimbursement at the
Office of Labor relations web site above.
IRMAA Medicare Part B Reimbursement Application (for 2023, 2022
& 2021) available on the website.
The IRMAA Medicare Part
B Reimbursement Application for 2024 will be available May 2025.
Important - Please do not submit your application more
than once. Submitting your application multiple times or ways will
only delay the processing time. You will receive a confirmation
letter in the mail 4-6 weeks from the date you submit your
application. Payment will be issued in October 2024. |
|
|

|
|
|
March 26,
2025 NEW YORK STATE
ISSUING SERVICE RECOGNITION AWARDS FOR COMBAT VETERANS |
|
|
From Ret. PO Chip Hayes chip1440@lawyer.com
I have attached this for all our members who served in Combat.
This is also for all Vets. Just open the link and you will see
the information.
Vietnam War veterans will receive a lapel pin emblazoned with
lasting symbolism from a grateful nation, according to Nancy
O’Donnell of Schaghticoke, a spokeswoman for the Gerald B.H. Solomon
Saratoga National Cemetery Support Group. Veterans can
apply for the medals online by going to the Division of Military and
Naval Affairs website at www.dmna.ny.gov/awards .
Applicants can use an online form to request the medals, or
they can print out and mail in an application form.
Applicants must be a resident of New York state now, or a New
York state resident when they served in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Applicants must provide a digital or paper copy of their
Department of Defense Form 214 certificate of release or discharge
from active duty as proof of military service in the two theaters of
action.
Family members and other designated individuals can apply on
behalf of a veteran. The medal can also be awarded
posthumously. |
|
|

|
|
|
March 25,
2025
2025 ANNUAL KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BLUE MASS |
|
|
Information received from Ret. Sgt. Larry Lombardo
larry451@optonline.net
ANNUAL BLUE MASS FOR FALLEN POLICE
OFFICERS
On Sunday, April 27th, 2025, the
Knights of Columbus in Lynbrook, NY, will host a Blue Mass and
Communion Breakfast, with the Mass at 9:30 AM at Our Lady of
Lourdes in Malverne, NY, followed by the breakfast at the
Knights of Columbus hall.
Mass Location: Our Lady of
Lourdes, 65 Wright Ave, Malverne, NY
Breakfast Location:
Knights of Columbus, 78 Hempstead Ave, Lynbrook, NY
Contact
for Information & Tickets: Linda Skirlos
516-287-4634
Ticket Prices: $15 for a single ticket, $150 for
a full table (10 people)
This year they will be honoring
PO Cecil Frank Sledge, 69 Pct, EOW - 01/26/1980 and PO Anthony
Dwyer MTS Pct, EOW - 10/17/1989 |
|
|

|
|
|
March 20,
2025
LATEST ISSUE OF BEYOND THE LINE IS IN THE MAIL |
|
|
We are happy to report that the newest issue of our great
newsletter, 'Beyond the Line,' has been sent out by the
mailer. As a reminder, these issues only go out to PAID members
so if you read this and haven't sent in your dues, please do so
and we will mail you your copy. We hope to have the newsletter
in your mailbox by the end of this week or early next week, If
you haven;t received it by late next week, please contact us to mail
you a copy. |
|
|

|
|
|
March 10,
2025
REPORT OF MARCH MEMBERSHIP MEETING |
|
|
The first meeting of the NYCRTPOA for 2025 was held on
Wednesday, March 5th at Verdi's.
President Bob Valentino called the meeting to
order at 12:00 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance to The Flag,
followed by a moment of silence for the 12 departed fellow officers
we were notified of since the December meeting, for all law
enforcement recently killed in the line of duty, for family members
who passed, for all law enforcement and our armed forces serving in
harm's way and for those on the Sick List.
Bob thanked everyone who attended the Mass and 55th anniversary
of the death of Michael Melchiona, the first uniformed Transit
Police Officer killed in the line of duty.. It was a very good
turnout.The full story and photos can be viewed on our website.
We celebrated five birthdays in March to these members present at
the meeting: Ronnie DiMaio, Fran Forrester, Joe Sacrestano, Arnie
Fisher and Joe DiDonato, with many happy and healthy birthdays to
come.
Treasurer Tony Lomanto reported the
Association is doing well financially since we received many
donations from October 1, 2024 to March 1, 2025. Please see the list
of donations in the next issue of Beyond The Line.
Tony Lomanto reported that he and Editor Frank Crisa
completed the next issue of our newsletter, and it is at
the printer. It should be in the mail by mid March. It
will consist of 56 pages of pictures, articles and letters.
The magazine costs approximately $8,000 for printing and
mailing. Bob Valentino thanked Tony and Frank for all their
hard work. This is another reason why donations are so
needed. Tony reported that 63 members still did not pay
their dues. Please update your email or address if there are
any changes.
Kenny Chiulli and his wife
Maria were thanked for helping to get new members at recent
gatherings by passing out application envelopes.
If you are SOC, CEA or LBA, please see the Website for
information regarding the Part D drug plan that was recently
enacted. It was as a result of complying with the Inflation
Reduction Act passed by President Biden while in office..
Executive Secretary Tom Greer reported that
there will be no baseball tickets available this year. The price
went up to $265 per ticket but he hopes that maybe next year will be
better.
Legislative Director Tony Piazza reported that
our VSF bill has not come up yet, and it is an uphill battle. A
letter was sent to the NYC Actuary. There are only about 300
members who would be affected.
Regarding Health Care - the Court Case is coming up soon in
May. Please continue to send donations to the NYC Organization
of Public Service Retirees who work very hard for us. Please
go to their Website for information - www.nycretirees.org.
The Bowling Dinner will be held on June 6th. Flyers will go
out soon.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 7th at Verdi's in
Whitestone.
The meeting adjourned at 1:40 pm.
Robert Forrester, Recording Secretary (with his able assistant
and wife, Fran) |
|
|

|
|
|
March 1,
2025
PHOTOS FROM THE MIKE MELCHIONA MEMORIAL
MASS
|
|
|
On Friday, February
28th, a Memorial Mass was held at St. Sebastian Church in
Queens to honor the 55th anniversary of the death of
Patrolman Michael Melchiona, killed in the line of duty at the
50th Street & Broadway station. The mass, and many
more previous ones, has been organized by his brother and Transit
Retired P.O. Henry Melchiona to honor his brother, the first
uniformed Transit Police Officer killed in the line of duty.
The mass was attended
by many members and friends of the Melchiona family, Transit
Retirees Association members, a contingent of officers from the NYPD
including many from District 1, the NYPD Honor Guard along with the
Department’s War Pipe Band, and Joseph Gulotta, Chief of the Transit
Bureau with other NYPD Chiefs. Also in attendance was Paul
DiGiacomo, Jr. retired President of the NYPD DEA, Arthur Egner, NYPD
PBA Treasurer, and Hank’s nephew, Brian McMurray, who beautifully
performed “Amazing Grace” and “Ave Maria” on the cello during the
mass.
Msgr. Romano, one of
our Association chaplains gave a very nice talk about the uniqueness
of our department. He talked about how we keep the camaraderie going
and will always remember our fallen brothers and sisters, something
other law enforcement departments he said found
strange.
Hank Melchiona then
spoke to the gathering, and without any cursing, too! He told the
story of the incident that resulted in his brother’s death and how
the 3 NYPD officers nearby came to the rescue to stop the culprit
from any further deaths or injuries. Seeing so many young officers
in the group, he told them to be proud of what you are and cautioned
them to be alert and protect themselves in any incident incurred.
When asked how long he will continue the memorial masses for
Michael, he said: “Until I die.”
Stephanie Diller, wife of
the late NYPD Det. Jonathan Diller who was also killed in the line
of duty on March 25, 2024, was also present at the mass.
The
photos can be viewed in this PDF of
photos |
|
|

|
|
|
February 24,
2025
INFORMATION ON THE MEDICARE PART D DRUG PLAN BY THE SOC |
|
|
Our thanks to Ret. Lt. Mark Lipira for forwarding this
information to us
MEDICARE PART D
Recently the Superior Officers Council
(Lieutenants and above) was forced by the stipulations contained in
the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act
to abandon the commercial prescription drug plan they had provided
to our Medicare covered members for decades.
The Inflation Reduction Act has forced the SOC to now convert the
commercial prescription drug plan into a traditional Medicare Part D
prescription drug plan. If the SOC did not comply with the dictates
of the Inflation Reduction Act, our members would be liable to
individual financial penalties that would be cumulative with each
passing year.
This penalty would be financially crushing to our members. In
essence we were pushed into a corner by federal legislation to
convert the Drug coverage offered to our Medicare covered members.
Many of our Medicare enrolled members have been in direct
communication with the SOC regarding issues/questions related to the
logistical changes associated with this new Part D Drug Plan.
The LBA has established a dedicated phone number, 646-669-8484,
to address/answer questions regarding this matter. When you call
this number, you will be asked to leave your name and your return
phone number. A member of the LBA staff will return your call by the
end of the day. Jennara Cobb, the Prescription Plan Coordinator of
the SOC, must be acknowledged for her tireless efforts in providing
guidance and assistance to hundreds of our members during this shift
in prescription coverage. |
|
|

|
|
|
January 30,
2025 INFORMATION
FOR BJ's WHOLESALE CLUB MEMBERSHIP |
|
|
BJ's WHOLESALE CLUB PLAN FOR NEW MEMBERSHIPS FOR 2025
We received the membership form for NEW
memberships only in BJ's Wholesale Club. This membership is
effective February 3rd, 2025 and will expire January 31, 2026. The
CODE is shown in the details.
Please DO NOT CALL before February 3rd as the
code will not be activated before that date.
Information for existing members is located at the end of the
page and there are savings shown.
Please check the BJ
PDF for full details. |
|
|

|
|
|
January 28,
2025 THE
2025 DUES NOTICES AND CARDS HAVE BEEN MAILED OUT BUT WITH
PROBLEMS |
|
|
We mailed out the 2025 dues notices and cards to the PAID and
NON-PAID members and have recently been experiencing problems with
the Post Office.
Their envelopes were returned mostly
for unknown address, moved, no forwarding, or forwarding
expired.
It appears the Post Office is getting strict with exact address
information. Many of our members live in condos, co-ops, or
apartments and they have not given us their unit, apartment, or even
a site number and as a result, the mail was returned.
We also have the following member's mail returned and we were
unable to contact them either by email (no longer valid) or phone
number on file (disconnected, no longer in use, etc.)
If you know any of these members and are able to contact them,
please do so and have them contact us with their current address.
Either call me at 516-526-7968 or alomanto@optonline.net
LYNN McDONNELL (wife of the late Ret. PO Tom
McDonnell) last address in Palm Coast FL - no response to email and
phone is NG
ANTHONY PASSIONE last address Lakewood NJ -
phone NG, no email Deceased / see Obituary
page
ELENA ROUTLEDGE (wife of the late Ret. PO Kevin
Routledge) last address Rockaway Park NY. phone NG, email sent - no
reply
ROBERT FRIBERG last address Haverstraw NY phone
NG, no email
NEAL MENSACK last address in Delray Beach FL
email sent - rejected / mailbox full, phone NG
THOMAS KOEHLER last address in Englewood
FL - no email, phone NG
JAMES SCOTT last address San Tan Valley AZ
no email / phone NG
We ask that when you receive the dues notice application, please
do not put it aside for another day, but to make out the check,
complete the application and mail it back to us. Make note of any
changes to address, phone, emails or applicable beneficiary so we
can update our records. Some members still have not paid the dues
for 2024 so we ask if this applies to you, please send in the 2024
dues with the 2025 dues to remain a member in good standing.
When we receive your dues, we will send out the membership cards
and decals to you. Of course, mail will be crossing paths so if you
receive a dues notice and have already sent in your dues, just
disregard the application/dues envelope.
As always, we ask, if possible, to please send in a donation of
any amount so we can continue to run this organization and keep the
Transit Spirit alive. IF a donation of $20 or more is included,
please indicate if you would like us to send you a challenge coin as
our thanks.
Thank you. Bob Valentino, President |
|
|

|
|
|
December 18,
2024 REPORT OF CHRISTMAS
& HOLIDAY PARTY AND UPDATE OF CITY MEDICARE PLAN COURT
CASE |
|
|
The Annual Christmas and Holiday party was an astounding
success. Over 90 people attended the affair during which three new
members were inducted into the Transit Police Sports Hall of Fame,
Certificate of Appreciation were awarded to six of our Executive
Board members, and a special presentation poster and plaque was
awarded to our Editor-in-Chief, Frank Crisa.
President Bob Valentino opened the meeting with
the Pledge of Allegiance after the group sang "God Bless
America."
Treasurer Tony Lomanto read
off the names of the 12 Transit retirees who passed away since our
last meeting in October. May they all Rest in Peace. We asked that
they, their families and those members and family members on the
Sick List, are kept in your thoughts and prayers along with all law
enforcement officers injured or killed in the line of duty and our
Armed Forces serving in harm's way.
Our Association Chaplain, Msgr. Robert Romano,
arrived at the start of the party and gave a blessing to the group.
Unfortunately, Msgr. Romano wasn't able to remain as he had a few
more affairs to attend after ours.
President Valentino introduced the following board members with a
Certificate of Appreciation for their work in the Association's
never-ending help for the retirees: Tony Piazza, as
Chairman of the Legislative Committee, his assistants John
Rini and John Giangrasso, Recording Secretary Bob
Forrester, along with his lovely wife and assistant,
Fran, and finally Financial Secretary Gregg
Stripp and Executive Secretary Tom Greer
for their tiring work meeting our attending members at the door of
all our meetings. All the recipients thanked the Association for
being honored at this event.
The following members were inducted into the Transit
Police Sports Hall of Fame and awarded plaques and a Hall
of Fame jacket: Tom Santino for Boxing,
Anthony DeToma for Softball, and Henry
'Hank' Melchiona for Firearms. Tom Santino and Anthony
DeToma thanked the Association for the honor of being inducted.
When Hank Melchiona spoke, he also thanked the Association for
the honor and then brought up the event of his brother being killed
in the line of duty. Hank remarked to what the feeling is like when
losing a brother in such a tragic way and then mentioned
Luca Scarangello, seated at one of the tables, who
also went through such an event when his brother John was also
killed in the line of duty.
The highlight of the party came when our Editor-in-Chief,
Frank Crisa, was asked to come forward and presented to the
members. President Valentino presented a plaque to Frank,
acknowledging the years of work and dedication he has given to the
members with his work on our great newsletter, 'Beyond the Line.'
Treasurer Tony Lomanto then presented a special poster to Frank,
showing him at work at his desk with the newsletter in progress. We
have to thank our member, Ronnie Morales, living in
Texas, with the artwork he did with the poster. His similar poster
works started with one he designed for Lou
Hollander, then another for Tony Lomanto that was given to
him last year. We must give a special thanks to Lou Hollander for
his ideas that were then incorporated into the posters.
Frank was totally surprised at the presentation and his wife,
Carol, who at first wasn't preparing to attend, was there when we
told her what we were planning to do. Frank was wondering what Tony
Lomanto said to her earlier over the phone that prompted her to be
there with him.
The party continued with great food and refreshments until the
time when all good things must come to an end. We wished all a very
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Kwanzaa, and a healthy
and Happy New Year to all.
Photos from the party can be viewed in this PDF
LINK
LATEST UPDATE WITH THE ORGANIZATION OF PUBLIC
SERVICE RETIREES AGAINST THE CITY OF NEW YORK
The latest good news is that the City lost, for the 11th time, in
their appeal to turn back the previous court's decision against the
City forcing the Medicare retirees into a Medicare Advantage plan.
The court ruled that Medicare Supplemental medical coverage being
paid in full by the City that has been in effect for more than 50
years, must continue and the City cannot force any retiree into the
MAP.
From Legislative Director Tony Piazza:
Another retiree court case from the NYS Court of Appeals ruled
7-0 in favor of the retirees against OLR (Office of Labor Relations,
known as the Campion Case). The city must pay the entire cost of the
health plan. Two more cases to fight in 2025, one being the co-pay.
However, if the city council would pass Legislative Bill 1096, all
would end. The bill provides that the City must offer
Medicare-eligible City retirees and their Medicare-eligible
dependents at least one Medigap plan with benefits equivalent to or
better than those available to City retirees and their dependents as
of December 31, 2021.
Several of the City Council members are in favor of the bill but
the remaining members are still being persauded by the false
information being spewed out by the MLC and in particular,
DC37.
2024 NY REUNION PHOTOS
Photos from the 2024 NY Reunion can be viewed in this PDF
Sorry it took so long to post them, but I had to get help from
Lou Hollander to identify some of those present. Thanks, Lou. |
|
|

|
|
|
November 27,
2024 POSTAL
SERVICE PROBLEMS WITH NEWSLETTER
DELIVERIES
|
|
|
We have been receiving calls and emails from several of our
members that their issue of the latest "Beyond the Line"
newsletter either was never received or it was received in a
damaged condition.
Any paid member who did not receive their
copy should contact us so we can mail them a new copy that will be
in a large envelope. |
|
|

|
|
|
October 13,
2024
SOCIAL SECURITY COST OF LIVING
INCREASE |
|
|
For those members collecting Social Security, the cost of living
increase starting in January, 2025 will be 2.5%. That amounts to an
average of $48 a month. The annual deductible for Medicare Part B
will increase by $17 in 2025 to $257, while the standard monthly
premium for Medicare Part B will increase by $10.30 to $185, CMS
announced.
Beginning January 1, 2025, people with Part D
plans through traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans with
prescription drug coverage won't pay more than $2,000 * over the
calendar year in out-of-pocket costs for their prescription
medications.
The item previously posted here for the election of Mike
Sapraicone for US Senator from NY has been deleted. Unfortunately,
Mike lost the election to Kirsten Gillebrand. |
|
|

|
|
|
October 5,
2024
REPORT OF OCTOBER MEMBERSHIP MEETING |
|
|
The
meeting began with President Valentino leading the
membership with the Pledge of Allegiance to The
Flag.
Treasurer
Tony Lomanto then read the names of 5 Transit Police
officers who passed away since our last meeting. He then asked
the members to remember them in your prayers and also remember their
families, first responders and those in harm's way, those on the
Sick List, and any family members who may have passed away. A moment
of silence followed.
President Bob
Valentino introduced our special guest, WW2 Veteran
David Marshall who, a few days before, celebrated his 100th
Birthday. Dave, who was a Corporal in the US Army 84th Infantry
Division, landed on Omaha Beach in Normandy on D-Day and, later on,
fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He was happy to announce that he
"survived without a scratch."
 Bob Valentino
& Dave Marshall
He is happy to be
in good health, goes to the gym and is looking forward to "a few
more good years." He was surprised with a beautiful birthday
cake with sparkling candles. After “Happy Birthday” was sung,
Dave posed for pictures with the members.
 Fred Ametrano,
Dave Marshall, Tony Lomanto, Bob Valentino
 Dave Marshall and the
Executive Board
Dave was
accompanied to the meeting by his friends Cynthia Haledo and
her father Henk Haledo. Dave first met Cynthia, who is a
photographer with the Dutch Army, when he was at a D-Day Memorial a
few years ago and they have been friends ever since. Cynthia and her
father actually live in Arnhem, Netherlands, the site of the famous
WWII Battle “Market Garden.” You may remember it
from the movie, “A Bridge Too Far,”
Congratulations to Mike and
Doris Lanning who became great grandparents to a beautiful
baby girl named Violet on October 1st.
Bob then gave
birthday wishes to several members whose birthdays are In
October.
Treasurer
Tony Lomanto reported that along with our Editor,
Frank Crisa, the next issue of our newsletter,
‘Beyond the line,” will be out by the end
of October. It is 52 pages filled with articles and many
pictures. He also mentioned that next year dues will be $40.00
and asked everyone to please pay their dues on time. He also
mentioned that any donations would be appreciated considering the
rising costs of the association. We currently have
approximately $10,000.00 in the checking account. Tony mentioned
that we had 11 new members joining, though we did lose 27 members
since January 1st.
Executive
Secretary Tom Greer and Financial Secretary Gregg Stripp
were thanked for doing a great job greeting the members at the door
and selling the 50/50 raffle tickets. Tom mentioned he is working on
the 2025 Mets- Yankees Game and it will be announced when
finalized.
First Vice
President Deo Fasolino spoke about the passing of members
Vinny Servedio and Jimmy Groark and how special they were. They were
bot “legends” in the Transit Police Department.
Second Vice
President Vinny DiMaio stressed how important it is to
vote. We endorsed our member, Mike Sapraicone for US Senate.
Whatever choice you may have, please get out and
vote.
Legislative
Director Tony Piazza gave an update on the VSF bill and how
the City fights it every time it comes up. He also mentioned
the current situation with the City’s health care litigations and
encouraged the members to donate whatever amount we can to NYC
Organization of Public Service Retirees who are doing a great job
for us. Their website is www.nycretirees.org.
Robin Becker,
President of FOP Lodge 317 asked members to send in their
2025 dues by October 20th. The next meeting of FOP Lodge
317will be on October 24th at 12 Noon at the K of C in
Hicksville. Check our website for full details.
Henry
Melchiona, who made a very generous $1,000 donation at the
meeting, invited members to a 10:30 am Mass on February 28, 2025,
for the 55th Anniversary of his brother Michael's
death. He has arranged to have 5 vans take members from
his home in Ronkonkoma to St. Sebastian's Church in Woodside,
Queens.
At the 50/50 raffle
drawing, a few winners donated their prize back to the association.
We also received more donations from several members at the end of
the meeting. We thank each and every one who has made a donation.
President Valentino
reminded the members of 2 dates to remember:
November
19th NY Reunion at Antun's - $70.00 by check, $75 at the
door, December 11th Retirees Christmas & Holiday Party at
Verdi's - $30.00 for members or guests.
The meeting adjourned
at 1:40pm.
Recording
Secretary Robert Forrester (with
able assistance from his wife,
Fran) |
|
|

|
|
|
September 5,
2024
REPORT OF SEPTEMBER MEMBERSHIP MEETING |
|
|
Pres. Bob
Valentino called the meeting to
order at 12:00 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag followed
by Emil Stucchio's Transit Police theme
song -'Proud To Be A Transit Police
Officer'.
Bob also said that
the new meeting time of 11:30am works well with the member’s
travelling times with traffic conditions.
Treas. Tony Lomanto
reported since our last meeting we lost 15 fellow Transit Police
Officers. May they rest in peace. Please keep their families,
our armed services and all the officers who work all day in your
prayers along with family members who may have passed
away.
Following lunch, the
meeting resumed at 12:45 pm. President Valentino mentioned the
names of 4 members who will be celebrating their birthdays in
September.

Rabbi
Berkowitz gave a nice talk and
congratulated Det. Paul Di Giacomo on his retirement. He also wished
Rich Petito good health and spoke of his fond
memories of the late Father DeAngelo. He
then spoke of the anniversary of 911 and how the public
should be educated - morals and traditions must come
back.
Pres. Bob Valentino,
along with Bob Ganley and Paul DiGiacomo, presented awards to the
new recipients who were present at the meeting into the
Retired Transit Police Officers Association Sports Hall of
Fame. They included Ralph Barrato
(Softball), Vito Buonsante (Softball),
George Pisanti (Softball) and Nick
Russo (Softball Manager). The fifth recipient,
Lemuel Lockhart (Softball Manager), was not able to
attend. The newly installed members thanked Bob and the Association
for the honor and for hosting the event.

Bob
Ganley
spoke about the current healthcare situation. The City is appealing
our new favorable ruling in Albany in November. So far, the $15
co-pays for Emblem Health will start in January unless the court
decides on the issue entirely. He stressed what a good job the
NYC Organization of Public Service Retirees is doing for us and
encouraged the members to donate what we can. Bob then took
questions and announced that he is now on the board of the
Organization and is available to answer any questions you may have
in the future. Visit their website WWW.NYCRETIREES.ORG
He also mentioned
that Empire BlueCross BlueShield became Anthem Blue Cross and Blue
Shield. The new ID cards were mailed to those having that coverage
which led to much confusion.
According to the NYC
Health Benefits website healthbenefitshome (nyc.gov) there is no change to
your benefits coverage.

Ret. Det. Paul Di
Giacomo
spoke of his retirement after 42 years with the NYPD. He
recently
joined the Tunnel 2 Towers Foundation and commented on what
wonderful work they do. Paul is, and always was, a true friend
of the Transit Police Retirees Association. His father, Paul Sr.,
retired after 20 years and worked in D-34 for many years.
Frank Crisa and Tony
Lomanto
reported they are working on the next issue of ‘Beyond the Line’
which will go out in early October. Please send articles and
pictures to Tony or Frank. Original photos only, please. They
will be scanned and returned to you.
Treas. Tony
Lomanto
gave a report on the financials of the organization and what some
the current expenses of the organization. The 2 newsletters last
year cost close to $12,000. The Death benefits paid out in 2023
amounted to $7800 and this year to date it is $8100. He reported
that many current Regular membership members will be turning 75 in
2025 and will no longer be required to pay dues. That is a good
reason to send in a donation to keep us going into the future.
Unless sufficient revenue comes in through dues and donations, we
may have to cut back on the death benefit to $200 or $250. We hope
this never comes to pass.
Please make sure your
home address and email addresses are current and check our website
for latest news and announcements. It is www.beyondtheline-tpa.org Tony reported that we
regularly get email rejections to some of the email addresses we
currently have in the database.
The NY
Reunion will be held on Nov. 19th at Antun's, and
The Black Patch Luncheon will be held on Sept. 28th
at Verdi’s. The information can be found on the
website.
FOP Lodge 317
President Robin Becker announced the next FOP Meeting will
be held on October 24th at Noon at the Knights of Columbus in
Hicksville. Details on our website
As always, we thank all
our board members for their support and especially to Greg Stripp and Tom Greer
for their great work at the door welcoming our members.

Bob Valentino thanked the
members for a good turnout and the meeting was adjourned at
1:45pm.
Fraternally, Bob
Forrester, Recording Secretary. (with able assistance of his wife,
Fran)
 On the
"Chow Line" for a great buffet
Ron DiMaio, Fred Ametrano, Bob
Ganley, Paul
DiGiacomo
Bob
Forrester and Mike Lanning on the
left
All the members on the 'Chow
Line' L-R
Paul DiGiacomo, Bob Ganley, Ralph Baratto, Bob
Valentino

Paul DiGiacomo, Bob Ganley, Vito Buonsante,
Bob Valentino
 Paul DiGiacomo, Bob Ganley, Nick
Russo, Bob Valentino
Paul DiGiacomo, Bob Ganley, George Pisanti's son, George, George
Pisanti, Bob Valentino

L-R
Sam Sapienza, Fred Ametrano, Mike Kilgannon, Mike Lanning, Bob Kent,
Bob Valentino, John Kellett, Vito Buonsante,
Bob Ganley, Gil Doremus, Ralph Baratto, George Mitchell, Nick Russo
George Pisanti.
|
|
|

|
|
|
August 19,
2024
PENSION COST OF LIVING RAISE COMING IN SEPTEMBER |
|
|
From Alan Berkowitz berky4@aol.com
COST OF LIVING
ADJUSTMENT
A Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) is a permanent annual increase
to your pension, based on the cost-of-living index and a formula set
by State law. Once you are eligible, you automatically receive a
COLA increase each September.
How COLA is
Determined
The law requires COLA payments to be
calculated based on 50 percent of the annual rate of inflation,
measured at the end of the State fiscal year (March 31). Once you
are eligible, your COLA will be at least 1 percent, but no more than
3 percent. The percentage is applied up to the first $18,000 of
your annual pension benefit as if you had chosen the Single Life
Allowance pension payment option, even if you selected a different
option at retirement. Using the Single Life Allowance gives you the
highest COLA amount possible, since this option pays the highest
benefit.
This Year’s COLA
Increase
The September 2024 COLA is 1.8 percent, for a
maximum annual increase of $324, or $27 per month before
taxes. The increase you receive each September is added
to your existing monthly COLA amount. You can view your benefit
payment pay stub to see a breakdown of your pension payment,
including your total monthly COLA amount, in your Retirement Online
account. • Sign in to Retirement Online. • Click
“View Pension Check” link. • Select the date of the pension
payment that you want to view. You will also receive a
notification of the net change in your monthly amount by mail at the
end of September. It will show both your previous month’s and new
monthly COLA amount, which represents the total accumulated amount
for all the COLA increases you’ve received since you became
eligible. Your 2024 COLA is the difference between Last Month and
This Month.
When You’ll Be
Eligible
To begin receiving COLA payments, you
must be: • Age 62 or older and receiving a service
retirement benefit for five or more years; or • Age 55 or
older and receiving a service retirement benefit for ten or more
years (applies to uniformed employees such as police officers,
firefighters and correction officers who are covered by a special
retirement plan that allows for retirement, regardless of age, after
20 or 25 years); or • Receiving a disability retirement
benefit for five or more years; or • The spouse of a
deceased retiree receiving a lifetime benefit under an option
elected by the retiree at retirement (you’ll receive half the
retiree’s COLA amount); or • A beneficiary receiving the
accidental death benefit for five or more years on behalf of a
deceased Employees' Retirement System (ERS)
member.
Receiving Your First COLA
Your
first COLA will be added to the pension payment you receive the
month after you become eligible. It will include a pro-rated amount
for the month you became eligible. For example, if you become
eligible for a COLA in the middle of June, you’ll receive your first
COLA payment at the end of July, and the payment will be for one and
a half months.
Just about enough to fill a tank of gas. |
|
|

|
|
|
August 8,
2024
PHOTOS FROM THE 2024 FLORIDA REUNION |
|
|
Thanks to Lou Hollander for sending these great photos of the
2024 Florida Reunion. It certainly looks like everyone had a great
time. A well done to Louie and the rest of the Reunion team for
their work.
Lou's photos can be viewed in this PDF |
|
|

|
|
|
August 8,
2024
COURT RE-INSTATES CO-PAYS FOR EMBLEM HEALTH (GHI)
CUSTOMERS |
|
|
Thanks to John Rini dad2020@optonline.net
for sending this information from the Retired Sergeants
Association
Update regarding the pending litigation of the $15
co-pay for the GHI/Empire BlueCross BlueShield Senior Care
Plan We have received information that OLR has
amended the contract terms stating the member pays a $15.00 co-pay
and OLR pays “any” balance over $15.00. Unfortunately,
this action turned the tide on the basis of the injunction. We were
informed that because of this amendment of the contract, the Courts
lifted the “Preliminary Injunction” (stay) from imposing a $15
co-payment fee for the GHI/Empire BlueCross BlueShield Senior Care
plan. The actual merits of the Co-pay case haven’t been
heard in court yet and the Class Action status of lawsuit hasn’t
changed. The $15.00 co-pay case is not dead just
suffered a major setback to retirees. Regardless of
this decision further appeals are still available in the future, but
the $15.00 co-pay implementation can go forward and is anticipated
to take effect in January 2025. As of this email, OLR
has not updated their website regarding the $15
co-pay. We will keep you informed of any
updates.
Received recently from the NYC Retirees
Organization www.nycretirees.org
Be
sure to watch the YouTube video below in which Marianne states that
Judge Frank has lifted the injunction against imposing
co-pays because the City and Emblem amended their
contract.
https://youtu.be/4gRGbDxeb2I?feature=shared&sfnsn=mo
Also the
court case by the city re the advantage plan is set for Oct 25 per
Marianne.
Emblem has stated that
it will impose co-pays effective January 1,
2025.
Marianne says we
are still discussing our options as to whether to appeal the co-pay
case, but she will be talking at 7 am this morning on WBAI (and at
the Friday night update tonight) about the co-pay case, Mayor Adams'
statements at a Town Hall in Riverdale, and his office's subsequent
statements that double down on the tired (and untrue) arguments that
Medicare Advantage is superior to traditional Medicare and will save
the City money.
In addition,
Marianne asks NYC voters to make sure we vote for candidates who
support us, not by statements in their newsletters, but by
supporting legislation to protect us. |
|
|

|
|
|
June 30,
2024
CITY REQUESTS APPEAL ON LATEST COURT
DECISION |
|
|
From the Organization of Public Service
Retirees
The Mayor did in fact file to appeal his 9th
loss on Thursday night. The appeal asks the court for permission to
appeal the case. The Court has a few months to decide if they will
and then it will be months before it would be heard if it is
accepted. We will update you as we get more information. |
|
|

|
|
|
June 27,
2024
NYPD DEA PRESIDENT PAUL DiGIACOMO ON HIS WALK-OUT
&
THE JUNE STATEN ISLAND LUNCHEON |
|
|
 "Before and
After" President Bob Valentino, Treasurer Tony Lomanto, Editor
Frank Crisa and member Tony Licciardello were among the
many hundreds of fellow officers who knew and worked with Paul
DiGiacomo both in the Housing Police, the NYPD, and lastly, as
President of the Detective Endowment Association.
His
father, the late Ret. PO Paul DiGiacomo
Sr. would be proud of his son's
achievments over the years
Paul will be retiring after 42
years of service to the City of NY and yesterday, June 26th, he was
given a warm and heartfelt ceremony for his Walk-Out.
Photos
taken at the Walk-Out can be viewed in this PDF
From
President Bob Valentino:
President of the NYC
Detectives Endowment Association Paul DiGiacomo had his
Walk-Out yesterday with hundreds of his friends and colleagues
giving him the sendoff he so well deserved. Paul is such a caring
and dedicated Detective who went out of his way to help hundreds, if
not thousands, of people over the years. Sincerity should be his
middle name. He has helped me personally, and I will always be
indebted to him. I am very happy to call him a dear friend and wish
him nothing but the best during his retirement.
Paul loved
the Transit Police and went out of his way many times to help our
Transit Police Retirees Association.
Paul, your dad in
heaven is so proud of you and all the wonderful things that you have
done for so many. Thanks so very much Paul.
JUNE STATEN ISLAND
LUNCHEON
Chief John Kavanagh had another great
Staten Island luncheon attended by many fellow
retirees includIng Retiree Association board members Fred
Ametrano and Tony Lomanto who spoke briefly of the current
siuation with the medical health plan court cases.
With
thanks to John for his continuing work with these luncheons, photos
taken at the affair can be viewed in this PDF |
|
|

|
|
|
June 23,
2024
2024 PENSION COLA & UFT BACKS OUT OF MEDICARE ADVANTAGE
PLAN |
|
|
Thanks to Alan Berkowitz berky4@aol.com for
sending us these 2 great pieces of information.
First:
The 2024 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for
eligible retirees and beneficiaries is 1.8%. If you are eligible
to receive COLA, it will be reflected in your September 30,
2024 Pension Payment. It amounts to $27 a
month
Second:
The UFT withdraws support for Medicare Advantage
Plan.
UFT President Michael Mulgrew sent a letter to
the Municipal Labor Union Chairperson Harry Nespoli
informing him that the UFT is no longer supporting the effort to
implement the Medicare Advantage Plan with the City of New York.
The Organization of Public Service Retirees has
come out with this Retiree Update:
Today, Sunday June 23rd, the United Federation of Teachers (UFT)
announced to their members, retirees and the Press that he was
withdrawing his support for Medicare Advantage.
Here is our response:
We KNOW this is not over. The Mayor has another week to
file "leave for appeal" (ask permission to appeal) to the highest
Court in the state. We are still awaiting court dates for the
first two cases - Campion - What does 12-126 mean? and the Co
Pay Case which was to stop the imposition of Copays. We are still
fundraising for litigation, and our legislation is coming back!!
Stay tuned warriors! .
The full letter can be read HERE |
|
|

|
|
|
June 12,
2024
ALBANY BILL TO GUARANTEE OUR HEALTH BENEFITS DIES |
|
|
Despite the support from many legislators in Albany backing
the bills that would have guaranteed our current health
benefits, both the Senate and Assembly bills died without any
votes being taken. Strong opposition to the bills by DC37, the UFT
and other large unions in the Municipal Labor Council appeared to be
using threats of voting for many of those legislators. Bob
Ganley mentioned at the recent meeting that if a bill
wasn't planned ahead of time to reach the Governor's desk, it
certainly wasn't going to get there.
The Organization
of Public Service Retirees vows to continue the fight in
the next session in Albany. Donations are needed and we ask our
members to make a donation. The other issue at hand is whether the
City will ask for an appeal to the most recent court case they lost
in appeal.
Please go to their website and make a donation, no
matter how small: www.nycretirees.org |
|
|

|
|
|
June 6,
2024
REPORT OF JUNE MEMBERSHIP MEETING |
|
|
With thanks to Recording Sec'ty Bob Forrester and his wife,
Fran:
President Bob Valentino called
the meeting to order at 12:15 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance to
The Flag.
Treasurer Tony Lomanto reported we lost 5 fellow
Transit Police Officers since our last meeting, along with
Father D'Angelo from The Shields of
Long Island. We asked for prayers for them and their
families and also for our Armed forces and recent law-enforcement
officers who lost their lives in the performance of their duties
along with all officers and family members on the Sick List.
Bob Valentino spoke of the 80th Anniversary of D-Day; all the men
who fought, the sacrifices they made and for all who lost their
lives in Normandy - truly the "Greatest Generation."
We had two guest speakers:
Association Chaplain Rabbi Berkowitz remembered
Father D'Angelo as the perfect example of a member of the Clergy. He
then reported on his recent visit to Israel with 25 members of the
Clergy. He spoke of the horrors of October 7th and the 125 hostages
still being held. He spoke movingly about the rich history of
Israel and its people. Bob Valentino asked for prayers for all
who suffered on October 7th.
President Valentino reported that the Executive Board unanimously
voted to endorse member Mike Sapraicone who is
running for US Senator against current Sen. Kirsten Gillebrand. Mike
has worked for New Yorkers for over 20 years as a Transit ,then as
an NYPD Police Officer and Detective. We feel he has a better
knowledge of legislation that would affect law enforcement. Members
were urged to vote for him.
Bob also mentioned that many members, several being present at
the meeting, were celebrating their birthdays in the month of June.
We all gave them a big Happy Birthday applause.

Former Deputy Police Commissioner Bob Ganley
reported he received a call from Albany in the morning that the
bills submitted for a vote to guarantee our health benefits were now
being rejected in Albany by their not coming to the floor for a
vote. He further mentioned that the City of NY, though not yet
reported, may appeal the recent decision where they lost the case
regarding co-pays and of any moving of retirees into a Medicare
Advantage Plan from their current Medicare and GHI plans.
Bob Valentino reported that at the Sept. 4th meeting, 4 members
will be inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame. It was decided that
the September meeting will start at 11:30 AM to alleviate traffic
problems for those members who travel far.
Information about
the June 14th Bowling Dinner can be found on the
Website on the Latest News page report of the May
meeting.
Executive Sect’y Tom
Greer reported he has sold all the Mets-Yankees baseball
tickets and we thanked Tom for all his work with this event every
year.
Tony Lomanto mentioned we were having a navigation problem with
the Website which is being worked on and is now back in operation.
Bob urged members to visit the Website at least once a week for up
-to-date information.
Treas. Tony Lomanto reported we have $15,500.00 in checking and
have $4,000.00 in donations. All our expenses have gone up. On
July 24th postage will be $.73 for first class. In light of
these, and other increasing costs, the 2025 dues will go from $30.00
to $40.00 per year.
Legislative Director Tony Piazza spoke of the
City of New York and also the Variable Supplement Fund, noting that
there are only about 300 members who would receive this benefit.
Tony thanked Greg Stripp (L) and
Tom Greer (R) for taking care of the members at the
door

Bob then thanked Tony Lomanto and Frank Crisa for their great
work on the “Beyond the Line” magazine. Tony mentioned that he and
Frank were already working on the next issue and if you have any
photos or articles you would like to see in that issue, please send
them to us. Unfortunately, newspaper articles are difficult to copy
and publish.
Tony asked members to notify him if their address or email has
changed.
After the 50/50 raffle, the meeting adjourned at
2:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted, Fran and Bob Forrester
|
|
|

|
|
|
May 31, 2024 DEA PRESIDENT PAUL
DiGIACOMO HONORED AS "MAN OF THE YEAR" AT NYPD HONOR LEGION
DINNER |
|
|
DEA President Paul DiGiacomo, who has been a
good friend of the Retirees Association, was honored as "Man of the
Year" at the Annual NYPD Honor Legion Dinner on May 30th at Russo's
On The Bay in Howard Beach NY.
Paul has reached retirement
age and will be stepping down as the DEA President as upcoming
elections would prevent him from serving his full term of office if
re-elected.
Treasurer Tony Lomanto, Advisor Fred Ametrano and
Associate Members Bob Lentol and Jim Venezia represented the
Retirees Association at the affair.
Several photos taken at
the affair can be viewed in this PDF |
|
|

|
|
|
May 21,
2024 CITY
OF NEW YORK LOSES THE APPEAL CASE FOR THE MEDICARE ADVANTAGE
PLAN |
|
|
CELEBRATE! YOU EARNED THIS!
The Organization of Public Service Retirees www.nycretirees.org announced
that the Appellate Court has ruled IN FAVOR of the
organization in the appeal case started by the City of New York and
the forcing of retirees into the Medicare Advantage Plan (MAP).
From the OPSR:
On March 21, 2024, we had oral arguments and today, May 21, we
were given a unanimous decision. We thank all of you for
believing in us and our legal team. Without all of you, we
would never have gotten this far. The Court said the City
cannot take away our Medicare Supplement.
This is the exact decision,
"Accordingly, the judgment (denominated an order) of the Supreme
Court, New York County (Lyle E. Frank, J.), entered September 19,
2023, which, in this hybrid proceeding-class action brought pursuant
to CPLR article 78, granted the petition complaint to the extent of
permanently enjoining the City respondents/defendants from
eliminating petitioner/plaintiff retirees’ existing health
insurance, automatically enrolling them in a new Aetna Medicare
Advantage Plan, enforcing a June 30, 2023 deadline for retirees to
opt out of the new plan, and implementing any other aspect of the
City’s new retiree healthcare policy, should be affirmed, without
costs."
You can read
it here |
|
|

|
|
|
May 13,
2024
FUNDRAISER FOR RET. SGT. RORY McGINN'S GRANDDAUGHTER
 RORY AND LILLY
From Lou Hollander keystonecop1@verizon.net
CHARITY FUNDRAISER FOR RORY McGINN'S GRANDDAUGHTER
LILLY
Lilly is the Granddaughter of Association member Ret. Sgt. Rory
McGinn. Please help this precious 6 year old little girl Lilly and
other children who have this unknown disease. See the letter below I
received from Rory.
Louie, On June 8, 2024 my son in law Johan Fagerholt will be
participating in the Orphaned Disease Center’s Million Dollar Bike
Ride to benefit the TBC1D24 Foundation taking place in Philadelphia,
PA.
On October 18, 2017 my wife Lillian and I welcomed our first
Grandchild Lillian (aka Lilly) to the world. Lilly began having
seizures at 3 months old. After multiple hospitalizations and
specialist appointments Lilly was diagnosed with a rare genetic
mutation. So rare it doesn’t have a name only a number, TBC1D24.
The mutation causes many medical issues including sensorineural
hearing loss, drug resistant epilepsy, hypotonia and dystonia. In
many cases those diagnosed do not thrive and pass within their first
years of life.
Lilly is one of the lucky ones and although she lives every day
with various symptoms she is a very happy girl who greets everyone
with a smile! And she has two great parents, Bridget and Johan.
Donations to the TBC1D24 Million Dollar Bike Ride are matched by
corporate sponsors and 100% of donations are awarded for research
grants to help future kids.
Please go to Support Johan
Fagerholt - 2024 Million Dollar Bike Ride | PledgeIt for
Charities Johan Fagerholt is riding that day.
Louie, I can’t thank you enough. Rory
The
Retirees Association donated $100 to help. |
|
|

|
|
|
May 9,
2024 MEDICARE
UPDATE REPORT FROM RET. LIEUTENANTS
ASSOCIATION
|
|
|
Thanks to Lou Hollander and Alan Berkowitz for forwarding
this out.
The Retired Lieutenants Association NYPD
issued this report that was posted in The Chief in April. You can
read it on the PDF HERE
It
involves a letter being sent to President Biden to put a halt to the
privatization of Medicare and instead expand the public health
program. |
|
|

|
|
|
May 3,
2024
REPORT OF MEMBERSHIP
MEETING MAY 1, 2024 |
|
|
President
Valentino
started the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by
Treasurer Tony Lomanto reading off the names of the 11 fellow
officers who passed away since our last meeting in March. We asked
that they and their family members be remembered in your prayers
along with the law enforcement officers recently killed in the line
of duty. We also ask that all our fellow officers and family members
on the Sick List be remembered with your prayers and for our fellow
law enforcement and Armed Forces serving in harm’s
way.
After a delicious buffet
meal, President Valentino said he was very happy with the
number of members attending the meeting at this new location,
Verdi's of Whitestone, and mentioned that we will be scouting a
location in Brooklyn for a possible meeting location. One former
Brooklyn location that held meetings was the Ben McChree Boat Club
off the Belt Parkway. Unfortunately, they are no longer in business.
We will inform our members where the June 5th meeting will take
place.
Bob then sent birthday
greetings to all our members whose birthdays are in May, including
our editor, Frank Crisa. He further commented on the number
of great comments he has received with our recent issue of
“Beyond the Line” and how much that newsletter means to the
membership. It is, truly, one of the ‘glues’ that holds us
together.
Bob mentioned that he will
be going for knee replacement surgery at the Manhattan Hospital for
Special Surgery on May 22nd. He expects to be bowling again shortly
thereafter.
Bob spoke of the Annual
Bowling League Dinner Dance to be held on June 14th at Verdi’s of
Westbury. The cost is $140.00 per couple. Entertainment will
be by the group "Desert Highway," the Eagles tribute band.
Contact Bob at leftybowler0601@gmail.com
Executive Secretary Tom
Greer
informed us all 100 tickets for the Mets-Yankees Game on June 25th
have been sold out. Tom will be texting the tickets to those who
purchased them in a few days. Another job well-done, Tom, and thank
you.
Treasurer Tony
Lomanto
thanked all the members who sent condolences, Mass, or sympathy
cards to him after his brother passed away in March. He thanked all
the members present for attending this meeting at the new location.
We saw several members from The Bronx and Westchester County who
couldn’t make the meetings on Long Island.
He then gave a hearty “Thank
You!” to Frank Crisa for the work he did in putting together
this last issue and how proud he is to be working with Frank. Any
PAID member who has not received their copy, please contact Tony
Lomanto at 516-526-7968 or alomanto@optonline.net
Financially, we are doing
well. We have 5 new members joining and the donations have been
coming in as you can see in the last issue. We deeply appreciate
them in view of ever-increasing costs for printing, postage, meeting
expenses, etc. The cost of this last issue alone was over $8100 for
printing and mailing. Another rising expense is the Association’s
$300 Death Benefit. From the time it started in 2006 to date, the
total is $120,700. He reminded everyone that the benefit is only for
eligible members who are paid up to date.
Tony spoke of the ongoing
Medicare Advantage fight with the City of NY. He and President
Valentino went to Albany with many other city employee retirees to
get the support of the legislators to back the bills that would
guarantee our current health benefits. Bob spoke to the crowd along
with Marianne Pizzitola of The Organization of Public
Service Retirees. Her organization is constantly seeking
donations to keep the legal fight going. We ask for the members to
send any donation amount to them by going to their website for
instructions: www.nycretirees.org
Our Legislative Director,
Tony Piazza, couldn’t make the meeting,
so 1st VP Deo Fasolino spoke of the current status of the
VSF. At the present time, there is a bill in the Assembly –
A7824 – but it needs a companion Senate bill to have the VSF
benefits extended to those eligible service retirees before July 1,
1987. At present, Tony Piazza estimates about 280 eligible retirees
are in that group. We ask that all residents of NY City, their
relatives, and friends, send letters to Mayor Adams and their
respective NY City Council members and urge them to support the
bills that would correct this injustice.
Deo further informed our
members that President Valentino bowled his 17th “Perfect 300” game
recently. Then Bobby corrected Deo….it was his 70th sanctioned “300”
game. Well done, Bobby!
With that, the meeting was
adjourned, and we all ventured out to the highways and headed
home.
2nd VP Ron
DiMaio and
recording Sec’ty Bob Forrester were excused. Many thanks to
Financial Sec’ty Greg Stripp and Tom Greer for their help at
the door.
Fraternally,
Tony
Lomanto
 L - R Bob
Valentino, Paul Bauer, Mike Sweeney, Bill
Frawley L
- Ben Patton, R - Barricinia Thompson, C- Her son,
Jordan
 L side top - Steve Mona,
Frank Crisa, Tony Lomanto / R side top - Fred Ametrano, Bob
Valentino, Al Ciprello doing a Re-Con assignment for a Brooklyn
restaurant on Thursday, May 2nd.
|
|
|

|
|
|
April 17,
2024
PRESIDENT BOB VALENTINO AND TREASURER TONY LOMANTO MAKE THE TRIP TO
ALBANY |
|
|
Tony & Bobby in front of the State Capital
Building
Bob talking to the group

Tony
Lomanto, Mariann Pizzitola, Bob
Valentino
Bobby and Tony went by bus to Albany
on Monday, the 15th with the Organization of Public
Service Retirees to join many other public employee retirees to
call on the NY State Senate & State Assembly to pass
S8388 / A7866 that would protect the health
benefits or contributions of retired employees of public employers.
In asdditon to Marianne Pizzitola and several
Senators and Assembly persons. Bobby Valentino
spoke to those present about how we were promised certain health
benefits and pensions that the City is looking to change.
He
ended his talk with "Promises made must be promises
kept!"
After his shorrt speech, many of the retirees
congratulated Bob on what he said...well put together and well
spoken despite the fact the microphone on the lectern was not
working.
Thanks to Lou Hollander, those who made speeches can
be read HERE |
|
|

|
|
|
March 23,
2024
NY SENATE BILL HEARING FOR HEALTH BENEFITS PROTECTION
and
NYPD DEA PRESIDENT PAUL DiGIACOMO ON "GOOD MORNING NEW
YORK" |
|
|
President Valentino and Treasurer Tony Lomanto
are planning to go to Albany with the Organization of Public
Service Retirees on Monday, April 15th, for the hearing on
the bill to protect our retiree health benefits.
Senate Bill S8388A protects the health insurance
benefits of retirees of public employers and contributions of
retirees of public employers.
DEA President Paul DiGiacomo was on
"Good Day New York" speaking about the Detective
staffing crisis in the NYPD and the failures of the City Council.
Click on the link https://x.com/NYCPDDEA/status/1771160982502408593?s=20
|
|
|

|
|
|
March 22,
2024
LATEST ISSUE OF "BEYOND THE LINE" IS IN THE MAIL |
|
|
We are very happy to inform our members that the latest issue of
"Beyond the Line" was mailed out to the PAID
members. This is a big 56 page issue we are sure you will enjoy
reading. Between our Editor, Frank Crisa, President Bob
Valentino, and Treasurer Tony
Lomanto, we went over it page by page to
make sure everything was correct, but if you spot any inaccuracies,
please bring them to our attention.
If you don't receive your
copy in the next 2 weeks, please contact us. The mail service lately
has not been up to par. |
|
|

|
|
|
March 22,
2024
REPORT OF COURT HEARING BETWEEN NYC AND
THE ORGANIZATION OF PUBLICE SERVICE RETIREES |
|
|
We received an email from the Organization of Public Service
Retirees describing the hearing that took place on March 21st
regarding the City's attempt to install the Medicare Advantage Plan
for retirees. The Organization's lawyer feels 2 of the judges are in
our favor but said it could take up to 5 months to reach a
decision.
Please, if possible, make a donation to the
organization to keep the fight going. Donations can be made to the
NYCOPSR c/o JSH Accounting Services POB 143538
Fayetteville GA 30214.
It is a few pages long and
can be read in this PDF |
|
|

|
|
|
March 11,
2024
REPORT OF MARCH MEMBERSHIP MEETING
 NYPD Transit Bureau Chief
Michael Kemper, Michael Sapraicone, NYPD DEA President Paul
DiGiacomo
Minutes of the NYCTPOA meeting on Wednesday, March 6, 2024,
at Verdi's of Westbury.
The meeting was called to order by President Bob
Valentino at 12:30 with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Since our last meeting we lost 19 fellow Transit Police
Officers. A Moment of Silence and prayers were requested for
their families and for our members who are sick and for all law
enforcement, both active and deceased, and for our Armed Forces
serving in harm's way.
We had three guest speakers:
Michael Kemper, Chief of the NYPD Transit Bureau
who spoke about his background with the NYPD. He became Chief
of the Transit Bureau 15 months ago. He spoke sincerely at
length about the challenges in the subway; some of the biggest being
recidivism and fare evasion with no consequences. He then
answered many questions from the members.
Paul DiGiacomo, President of the NYPD DEA, was
the second speaker who shared his memories of 40 years of service
starting with the Housing PD. He spoke at length of his love for the
Transit Police with his father, Paul Sr. who worked in District 34.
He mentioned that he will no longer run for President as his length
of service is coming to an end.
The third speaker was Mike Sapraicone. a retired
NYPD detective who started in Transit and is a member of
this association. Mike is running for the U.S. Senate to replace
Kirsten Gillebrand. He mentioned that the current Administration has
no plan, and we can change things and the way we live by voting.
Treasurer Tony Lomanto reported we have 10 new
members joining, amongst them is the former Chief of the Transit
Police and former NYPD Commissioner, William
Bratton, who joined as an Honorary Member at the request of
President Valentino. Tony also gave a report on the financials and
donations.
He then reported the newest issue of "Beyond The Line"
magazine, completed with the expertise of our Esteemed
Editor, Frank Crisa, affectionately known as "Merlin the
Magician," is now at the printer. It is the largest issue ever
- 56 pages, with donations alone covering 3 pages. We should
get it printed and mailed out by the end of the month. If you don't
receive your copy by mid-April, please contact any board member.
If a member has a new mailing or email address, please notify
Tony Lomanto to make sure you will receive this issue. As a
reminder, it only goes to PAID members, so if you haven't sent in
your dues, please do so very soon. This type of mail does NOT get
forwarded, so make sure we have your proper mailing address,
especially those who are "Snowbirds."
When you receive any emails from the association, please inform
your fellow retirees who do not have computer access of the
information sent. If you know of a fellow Transit retiree who
is not a member, especially those in the later years of the Transit
Police Department, please urge them to join to keep this
organization going into the future.
1st VP Deo Fasolino spoke about our departed
members, especially Floyd Holloway and Joe Carney,
and their contributions to the members of the Transit Police
Department, and for Floyd, several other law enforcment members as
well.
The City is appealing the recent decision regarding our health
insurance co-pays for Emblem Health / GHI members. The City is
trying to "bleed" the organization dry with legal expenses.
Donations can be made to the NYCOPSR, c/o JSH Accounting Services,
POB 143538, Fayetteville, GA 30214. Any amount would be
helpful.
On June 14, 2024, The Police Retiree's Bowling League
will hold their Annual Dinner Dance at Verdi's. The
cost is $140.00 per couple. Entertainment will be by the group
"Desert Highway," the Eagles tribute band.
Please contact Bob Valentino for tickets at leftybowler0601@gmail.com
Bob introduced Ret. Det. Sgt. Fred Ametrano as the new
Advisor to the President. Fred has been helpful in the past
and we look forward to his help in the association
business.
Bob also mentioned that our member, Ret.
Sgt. and former Deputy Commissioner Bob Ganley,
was appointed to the NYC Organization of Public
Service Retirees as Vice President. We wish him much success in the
organization.
2nd VP Ronnie Di Maio mentioned the 9:30 AM Blue
Mass and Communion Breakfast on April 21st in Oceanside NY by the
Knights of Columbus at the request of member Ret. Sgt. Larry
Lombardo. This Mass will be for active and retired law
enforcement and for those killed in the line of duty. The cost is
$15.00. Details are on the Latest News page of our website in the
February 13th entry posting..
Executive Sec’ty Tom Greer mentioned that there
are 6 tickets left for the Yankee-Mets Game. Please contact
Tom Greer if you are interested at 631-902-8911.
Many thanks to Tom, Financial Sec'ty Greg Stripp, and
Sgt-at-Arms Mike Lanning for their help at the door
welcoming our attending members.
Our next meeting in May will be held at Verdi’s in Whitestone,
Queens, and members will be notified with full details. Check the Meetings and Events page for
full details when posted.
The Meeting adjourned at 2:40
pm.
Fraternally, Bob Forrester, Recording Secretary, (with able
assistance from member Fran Forrester)
|
|
|

|
|
|
February 21,
2024
BJs MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL INFORMATION |
|
|
For our members who have a membership in the BJs Warehouse Club,
we have received the latest information for membership renewals that
will end on February 2025. Please check the flyer for complete
details.
The flyer can be viewed HERE
BJs CLUB MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL ENDING FEBRUARY
2025
It’s time to update the BJ’s Offer for your NYC RTPOA members so
here you go!
The old pricing ended on February 2nd 2023, and the NEW offer
started on February 5, 2024. Please note that new memberships
are only $20 or $60! All processing is still being directed to the
Call Center.
Thank you for partnering with us to offer BJ’s Corporate
Membership Discount Program as an exciting benefit to your
employees!
To better serve you, all membership enrollments and renewals for
your employees will be processed through our BJ’s Partnership
Support Center.
The attached flyer includes everything your employees will need
to take advantage of their membership benefit. Please include this
as an attachment when sending the announcement.
The expiration date of the new offer is February 1, 2025.
Please note, listed on the flyer is your organizations ‘Group
Promo Code’. This code is unique to your organization. When any of
your employees/members call our Partnership Support Center, they
will need to reference this ‘Group Promo Code’ to qualify for the
discount.
BJ’s Partnership Support Center details -
Phone #: 800-313-8887 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday from
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM EST (No weekends.)
When an employee calls in, all they will need is the following
information -
• Your Organization’s ‘Group Promo Code’, which is
350718. • Debit or credit card information • If a
current BJ’s member, a membership ID which can be found on their
BJ’s membership card or from within the BJ’s app
Here is the current offer: The membership levels are now Club
(formerly Inner Circle) and Club + (formerly Rewards).
NEW MEMBER OFFER: (These new member rates are
amazing!) (plus tax in NY and NJ)
Any employee may OPEN a NEW Club membership at the discounted
rate of $20/12 months ($35 savings off the In-Club rate of $55/12
months) or
may OPEN a NEW Club + membership at the discounted rate of $60/12
months ($50 savings off the In-Club rate of $110/12 months).
Both offers also include one household member card at no charge.
(2 cards total on membership.) This applies to NEW members
only…previous or existing members are not eligible for new member
rates.
EXISTING MEMBER OFFER: (plus tax in
NY and NJ)
This program also enables your employees to EXTEND their existing
Club or Club + memberships at the rates below:
The Club renewals are only $50/12 months.
The Club + renewals are only $100/12 months.
With payment, 12 months will be ADDED onto current expiration
date of existing members. |
|
|

|
|
|
February 14,
2024 NYPD
DEA PRESIDENT PAUL DiGIACOMO ANNOUNCES HE IS STEPPING
DOWN |
|
|

Paul DiGiacomo, Jr. son of the late Ret Transit PO
Paul DiGiacomo , announced that he will be stepping down as
President of the NYPD DEA in June, prior to the new elections. He
stated that his retirement date is coming up and were he to run as
President again, he would not be able to finish his term of office.
His full PDF message report can be read HERE
Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUpw7IKpLmY
Our
thanks to Paul for all he has done with the Retirees Association and
we wish him a long and healthy retirement when he finally packs it
in.. |
|
|

|
|
|
February 9,
2024
MEDICARE PART 'B' & IRMAA RE-IMBURSEMENTS |
|
|
Medicare Part B 2023
Reimbursement
Medicare-eligible retirees and
their Medicare-eligible dependents will be reimbursed annually for
the standard Medicare Part B amount, excluding any penalties and
late enrollment fees, and subject to be
pro-rated.
2023 Medicare Part B reimbursements will
be issued in April 2024. Please check your bank
account/statement (or the mail, if you are receiving a physical
check).
If you have already submitted your Medicare Part A
& B card to the Health Benefits Program, this payment is
automatic, and you will receive it annually.
What is IRMAA? The
Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) is an
additional amount that you are required to pay for your monthly
Medicare premiums if you have higher annual earnings.
If your income in 2020 was
less than or equal to $91,000 as an individual, or less than
or equal to $182,000 as a married couple, you did not pay IRMAA
in 2022 and the following information does not apply to you.
If your 2022 SSA-1099 form shows that you received the standard
Medicare Part B premiums deductions of $2,041.20, you did not pay
IRMAA in 2022 and the following information does not apply to
you.
Please do NOT submit an IRMAA application as you are not
eligible for reimbursement.
IRMAA 2023 Reimbursement
IRMAA 2023 annual reimbursements will be issued during
the 3rd week of October 2024.
IMPORTANT: Please do NOT
submit the IRMAA Reimbursement Application for 2023 prior to May
2024. Processing of these applications will not begin before
that date
IRMAA 2022 Reimbursement
IRMAA 2022 annual reimbursements were issued during
the 3rd week of October 2023. Medicare-eligible retirees and
their Medicare-eligible dependents can submit an IRMAA application
if they paid above the standard amount of $170.10 per month. If you
did not pay more than the standard amount then you are not eligible
for IRMAA.
|
|
|

|
|
|
February 6,
2024
STREAMING VIDEOS OF FUNERAL SERVICES FOR FLOYD HOLLOWAY |
|
|
From Lou Hollander keystonecop1@verizon.net
The
streaming videos taken at the funeral home where our dear friend and
mentor to many, Lifetime Member Ret. P.O. Floyd Holloway, was waked
and the video at the Calverton National Cemetery can be viewed at
the following links:
The funeral service can be viewed at Holloway
Chapel Service (hdezwebcast.com)
The funeral procession
can be viewed here: Floyd
Holloway Funeral Procession
(hdezwebcast.com)
The interment service can be
viewed at: Interment
Holloway (hdezwebcast.com)
The video of Floyd when he was
honored last year can be viewed HERE |
|
|

|
|
|
January 29,
2024
THE TRANSIT POLICE LADIES HAVE NOT BEEN
FORGOTTEN |
|
|
Our member, Ron Morales, has come up with
another fantastic piece of artwork depicting the women officers of
the Transit Police Department. Excellent work, Ron!

From Lou
Hollander: Ronnie Morales, our Honorary Transit
Police Artist, recently put out a terrific drawing above
and depicts five Transit cops arresting a number of perks. What
makes this drawing so good beyond its quality is the story it tells.
At the head of the scene of the arrest is a female officer who
appears to be in charge. This is very interesting and a story that
many of us are aware of and which should be told. Let's be honest;
when the department decided to put our female officers on patrol
there was much trepidation and quite frankly, moronic response.
These ladies were well trained and willing and, more importantly,
more capable of doing the job. I remember as PBA delegate having
guys tell me they didn't want to work with a female as a partner.
Some guys tried to be overprotective and didn't think they should be
assigned to single patrol, but in a very short time these ladies not
only proved themselves, many of them excelled. Hats off to them and
thanks, Ronnie, for pointing that out in your recent cartoon. |
|
|

|
|
|
January 21,
2024
ASSOCIATE MEMBER ERIC WOLLMAN RECEIVES LONGEVITY AWARD |
|
|

Our
Associate Member, Eric Wollman,
(in the center) recently received a Longevity
Award plaque from the NYPD for his 50 years of service in
the Auxiliary Police. He holds the rank of Inspector.
Congratulations Eric for your dedication to the NYPD, and
thank you for being a member of this Association. |
|
|

|
|
|
January 2,
2023
PHOTOS FROM THE 2023 CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY PARTY |
|
|
We had a great turnout for our annual Christmas and Holiday
Party where our Treasurer, Tony Lomanto, was honored for his many
years of service to the association. Those photos can be viewed in
this POWER
POINT DISPLAY
When you click on a page, it fades out to
the next page. |
|
|

|
|
|
December 4,
2023 GREAT PHOTOS FROM THE
NY REUNION & THE SPRING HILL R.O.M.E.O. |
|
|
Lou Hollander did a great job with these photos and thanks
for sending them out.
The NY Reunion,
so well set up by members Marilyn Scahill and Paul
Murphy, can be viewed HERE
The
Spring Hill R.O.M.E.O. Luncheon, set up by
Lou Hollander can be viewed HERE |
|
|

|
|
|
November 14, 2023
THE ANNUAL METS-YANKEES SUBWAY SERIES GAME FOR
2024 |
|
|
Thanks to the efforts of our Executive Secretary, Tom
Greer, we have purchased trickets for the annual Mets -
Yankees Subway Series Baseball Game set for Tuesday, June 25th.
Order fast as they were all sold out very early this year.

|
|
|

|
|
|
November 7, 2023 A
CLEAR EXPLANATION OF WHAT PROMPTED THE CITY TO HAVE THE AETNA
PLAN |
|
|
Thanks to Alan Berkowitz for sending tbis out. berky4@aol.com
Former NYPD DEA President Tom Scotto gives a
perfect explanation of what transpired between the City of New York
and the Muncipal Labor Council (MLC) regarding the Aetna Medicare
Advantage Plan. It's a You Tube video with Maryann
Pizzotola of the Organization of Publice Service Retirees.
It's around 20 minutes long but it clarifies many
questions.
Watch it here: https://youtu.be/O9xGAx8aS3k?si=_Yz9sWEFg3RGaK8d |
|
|

|
|
|
November 5,
2023
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A TRANSIT COP |
|
|
This was sent to us from Ret. Det. Jimmy O'Shaughnessy
(Jimmy O) flinstone317@aol.com &
Lou Hollander
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A TRANSIT COP
On Thursday November 2nd, we buried (Ret.
P.O.) Michael Whalen, but that’s not the story. Among the
people who attended his sendoff was Dan Desario (Lifetime
Member Ret. P.O.). I never met Dan before. He was a
Brooklyn cop that worked in Districts 30 and 33. Dan never worked
with Mike and did not know him. Dan drove up from Brentwood, Long
Island to Saugerties, New York in his words: “To honor Mike." I was
a little preoccupied, so I didn’t get a chance to speak to him much,
but when I got home I thought about it. This man, who didn’t know
any of us, drove up from Long Island to pay respects to Mike. Dan
Desario shows why we are different from everyone else and makes me
proud to say: "I was a Transit Cop!" Thank you
Dan. Well said, Jimmy.
DETECTIVE STEVEN MCDONALD MEMORIAL
SCHOLARSHIP
In the spirit of all that Detective
Steven McDonald stood for, NYPD With Arms Wide Open has established
a scholarship award for students within the NYPD community living
with special needs, or those who are the family members of an
individual with special needs.
The 2023 Scholarship application process is now open.
All completed entries are due no later than Friday February 2,
2024.
Download the application HERE
We
were told this is open to all fellow Transit officers who may
not have actually retired from NYPD. |
|
|

|
|
|
November 1,
2023
HEALTH PLAN CHANGEOVER PERIOD
&
REMINDER - CARRY PERMITS FOR NYC
RESIDENTS
|
|
|
November is the month for the annual Fall Transfer Period for
Retirees when you can choose to change your current health plan
for another. The new plan will go into effect January 1,
2024.
Go to the Office of Labor Relations / Health Benefits
website for the proper forms: health-retiree-responsibilities
(nyc.gov)
To view the various plan benefits, go to the
website: health-sbc
(nyc.gov)
A few NYC resident members were asking about their carry
permits and the revised NYC regulations when renewing your permit.
We are showing this information below.
INFORMATION FOR RETIREES LIVING IN NYC WITH
CONCEALED CARRY PERMITS
NYC CC PERMITSFOR NYC RETIREES LIVING IN NYC 5
BOROUGHS ONLY FROM THE LBA BREAKFAST MEETING JANUARY
2023
THIS SHOULD ANSWER ALL THOSE QUESTIONS I HAVE BEEN
GETTING. IF YOU ARE NOT DUE TO RENEW I SUGGEST YOU PRINT THIS OUT
AND KEEP IT
NEW TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR SOME RETIREES
RESIDING IN NYC TO RETAIN CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT: We would like to
acknowledge and thank Marty Browne (Retired Sergeant) and Director
Nicole Berkovich, from the NYPD License Division, for coming to the
LBA meeting to answer questions from the membership regarding the
new requirement mandating that some retirees attend a sixteen (16)
hour Gun Safety Course and a two (2) hour Live Ammunition Firing
Course to renew their Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit issued by
the New York City Police Department. This requirement, as of now,
only applies to those retirees whose licenses are issued via the
NYPD License Division. The different requirements apply in the
following three (3) unique scenarios:
Retirees Who Retired Prior To September 1,
2017:
For those retirees who separated from service prior to
September 1, 2017, and who receive their Concealed Carry Weapon
(CCW) permit from the NYPD License Division, must satisfy the
following requirements to successfully renew their permit: -
Attend a sixteen (16) hour Gun Safety Course and a two (2) hour Live
Ammo Shooting Course – This is currently a once in a lifetime
attendance requirement. OR - Possess proof of attending at least one
HR 218 course (ID Card) between the periods of September 1, 2017,
through August 31, 2022. OR - Proof of having attended any other Gun
Safety related course during the periods of September 1, 2017,
through August 31, 2022. (check with pistol license of the course is
acceptable)
Retirees who retired between September 1, 2017,
through August 31, 2022: As per the stipulations spelled out in the
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, retirees who
separated from service during this time period are NOT required to
provide any additional proof (training or HR 218) to renew their
Concealed Carry Weapon Permit.
Retirees who retired on or after September 1, 2022: If
they were employed/Active between September 1, 2017, through August
31, 2022, are NOT required to provide any additional proof (training
or HR 218) to renew their Concealed Carry Weapon Permit.
If a retired member who resides in New York City and who receives
their Concealed Carry Weapon permit from the NYPD License Division
does not satisfy the renewal mandates stipulated above, the likely
results are as follows: IF RETIREE POSSESSES A: Retired ID Card,
Expired Concealed Carry Permit, Does NOT Have a Valid HR 218 =
License Division will eventually attempt to confiscate and safeguard
your weapons. License Division will usually allow approximately six
(6) months after the members current permit expires for member to
renew application for Concealed Carry permit. Retired ID Card,
Expired Concealed Carry Permit, VALID HR 218 = Allowed to retain and
carry weapon(s). However, will be unable to purchase ammunition and
buy/sell gun(s) in New York State. The License Division may
eventually contact you to ascertain if you wish to renew Carry or
convert to Premise Permit. Retired ID Card, Expired Concealed
Carry Permit, Valid HR 218, Valid Premise Permit: Allowed to retain
and carry weapon(s). Premise Permit also allows you to purchase
ammunition and to buy/sell gun(s) in New York State. **Please
note that a valid HR 218 is a key requirement in retaining and
carrying your weapon when you do not satisfy the CCW renewal
requirements and therefore do not have a CCW Permit issued by the
NYPD License Division.** Routinely, retired members will receive
a mailed notice from the NYPD License Division, three (3) months
prior to their current CCW Permit expiring advising them how to
apply for their renewal and what requirements are mandated to
successfully renew their CCW. If a member switches from a Concealed
Carry Weapon Permit to a Premise Permit, the member may switch back
to a CCW permit if they can now satisfy the requirements. However,
this conversion cannot take place until the next scheduled permit
renewal date (usually three years). If you are a retiree who
receives your CCW Permit from the NYPD License Division and have
additional question regarding this matter, please contact
646-610-5872. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IT
WAS ASKED ABOUT OTHER COUNTIES OUTSIDE NYC WHO ARE NOT AS STRICT
WITH THESE RULES FOR RETIRED NYPD COPS LIVING THERE AND
RENEWING. THE REPLY WAS THAT THOSE OTHER COUNTIES "ARE NOT
OBEYING THE NEW LAW"
|
|
|

|
|
|
October
22, 2023
JUDGE FRANK'S DECISON ON CO-PAY COURT APPEAL |
|
|
Well, the Organization of Public Service
Retirees won again - #7. Judge Lyle Frank has made a
decison that the appeal by the City and Emblem Health/GHI
regarding co-pays is considwered a class axction and not just for
the several petitioners in the lawsuit. The Judges' decision can be
read HERE
Because of
ever increasing legal fees incurred in this fight, we again urge our
members to make a small donation to the NYC
Organization of Public Service Retirees, P.O. Box
941, Venice, Fl. 34284. They work very hard and are our hope
to keep winning. Donations can be made by Check, Zelle,
PayPal and Venmo. Check details on their website www.nycretirees.org |
|
|

|
|
|
October
22, 2023
SOCIAL SECURITY COLA FOR 2024 |
|
|
Thanks to Alan Berkowitz for spreading the good
news. berky4@aol.com
Social Security cost-of-living adjustment adds $50 a
month on average
Retirement and disability
benefits will increase by 3.2% and more than $50 a month on average
starting in January, the Social Security Administration announced
Thursday.
You should be receiving a letter from Social Security next month
detailing what your montly payments will be starting in January,
2024. If you come under the IRMAA rules regarding extra cost for
Medicare based on your annual income and you file a reimbursement
request with OLR, make sure you keep that letter as proof.
For 2024, along with the 3.2 % COLA increase in your monthly
Social Security check comes an increase in the monthly Medicare
charges of an additional $9.80 to $174.70 and a $14 increase in the
annual deductible to $240.00. The Government gives then takes
away. |
|
|

|
|
|
October
11, 2023 INTERESTING
ARTICLE IN THE NY DAILY NEWS ABOUT THE
MAPP
UPDATE FOR NEXT ISSUE OF BEYOND THE LINE
and
PENSION C.O.L.A.
NOTIFICATION |
|
|
The NYPD Retired Lieutenant's Asssociation sent out an
email with this Daily News article regarding the City's
plan to implement the Medicare Advantage Program for
retirees.
You can read the PDF HERE
Our Editor, Frank Crisa, and I, have set the date of September
21st as the deadline to finalize the next issue of "Beyond the
Line." Any letters and donations received after that date will
appear in the first issue we publish in 2024. We had to do
this as space became very tight and we had to keep everything
in this 40 page issue.
The issue has been sent to the printer
and then to the mailer. You should be receiving it sometime next
week or earlier depending on the speed of our postal services.
PENSION COLA ADJUSTMENT
By now, you should have received a letter from NYCERS
that the anual Cost Of Living Adjustment (COLA) has
been increased by 2.5% on the Annual Maximum Retirement Allowance
(AMRA) of $18,000. This equates to $37.50 a month
which you will receive with the September payment. |
|
|

|
|
|
September 7,
2023
REPORT OF SEPTEMBER MEMBERSHIP MEETING |
|
|
Minutes
of the NYCTPOA Meeting held on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023 from
Recording Secretary Bob Forrester and his able assistant, his lovely
wife, Fran.
The meeting
was called to order by President Bob Valentino at
1:15 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance to The Flag and a moment
of silence for the sick and departed. We had over 60 members attend
this meeting.
Treasurer
Tony Lomanto reported that since our last meeting we have
lost 16 fellow retirees. They were 14 Police Officers and
2 Honorary members. He asked us to pray for our sick members,
especially Mike Lanning who is receiving precautionary chemo
treatments and for family members who have passed away. Please check
our Sick List page for current information.
Not
mentioned at the time was our Editor Frank Crisa is
going into the hospital on Friday. September 8th for a
cardiac procedure to regulate his heart rhythm. We pray and wish him
well.
President
Valentino advised
us that the COLA increase this year of $37.50
a month will be starting with the September pension deposit.
Payment of the 2022 IRMAA (if applicable to those who paid more each
month for Medicare in your Social Security check) will be made the
third week in October. If you haven’t filed for it, you can do
so and go back 3 years. Go to the Office of Labor Relations
website: health-retiree-medb-irmaa
(nyc.gov)
Bob
announced that we are celebrating birthdays to these three
members present at the meeting - Emily Sicoli, John
White, and Sam Sapienza. Happy Birthday to them and to
all our members with September
birthdays
Because of
ever increasing legal fees incurred in this fight, we urge our
members to make a small donation to the NYC Organization of Public
Service Retirees, P.O. Box 941, Venice, Fl. 34284. They work
very hard and are our hope to keep winning. Donations can be
made by Check, Zelle, PayPal and Venmo. Check details
on their website www.nycretirees.org
New York
City residents are urged to contact their NY City Council members to
protect the NYS Retirees and dependents by supporting legislation
that will be introduced in the City Council. It is called INTRO 1099 and will allow
Medicare eligible retirees and their eligible Medicare dependents to
remain in Medicare and have a Medigap plan with benefits equivalent
to or better than those available to City retirees and dependents as
of December 31, 2021. Right now they have 17 sponsors but
need 34. Go to the Retirees Organization to see who your
representative is with contact information.
The NY
Reunion will take place this year on Tuesday, November
14th from 4-8PM at Antuns in Queens Village. The cost is
$65 per person by mail or $70 at the door. Payments should be made
out to Paul Murphy and mailed to him at 190 Floral Parkway, Floral
Park NY 11001. Information is also posted on the Retirees
website.
President
Valentino reports that Association Treasurer Tony Lomanto will be
honored at this year's Christmas Party on Wednesday, December
6th at Verdi's. Tony has devoted 37 years of service to the
organization.
The date
and location of the next FOP meeting will be posted on our website
when finalized.
Bob urged
members living in Queens to vote for George
Grasso for Queens County DA. He is a retired NYPD
Chief and has worked in their Legal Department for many years. On
Long Island, Association member Mike Sapraicone is
running for office to replace George Santos.
Treasurer
Tony Lomanto gave the financial report. We have
sufficient funds in our checking and have received, since our last
newsletter was sent out, over $5,100 in donations and have paid out
$115,000 in death benefits since it was started in 2002. Tony also
reported we have 19 new members joining since March.
He further
reports that we are winning our health insurance battle, but the
City is appealing our win. The City is appealing Judge Frank’s
ruling on the Permanent Injunctions to stop the City from moving
Medicare retirees into the Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan. Besides
that, GHI/Emblem Health is appealing Judge Frank’s ruling about no
co-pays with GHI.
Frank
Crisa and Tony are working on the next issue of “Beyond The
Line” and they expect it will be out by early October. If you have
any photos or articles you would like to see in future issues,
please send them to Frank Crisa at fcrisa2886@gmail.com or Tony
Lomanto at alomanto@optonline.net
Henry
Melchiona was thankad for making a plaque of shields of
police officers who gave their lives and for bringing it to all
the meetings.
Executive
Secretary Tom Greer reported the Mets-Yankees games went
well this year and we will do it again in
2024. Prices are not known at this time, but probably will
go up. The seats should be in the same location as this year or
closer. More details to come out as Tom gets information from the
Mets Organization.
Legislative
Director Tony Piazza reported on VSF bills presented in the
Spring. At this time, only about 300 members remain
eligible for the VSF. It appears Police oriented bills don’t get
favorable attention.
1st
VP Deo Fasolino gave suggestions on how to recruit new
members using the various social media platforms and informing
fellow retirees who are not members.
Member
Joe Asti, who was assigned to the Firearms Range in Transit
and NYPD, urged members to make sure their pistol permits are in
order. If they expire and you do not have the HR 218 permit,
you will be required to take the 18 hours firearms course and it
will take a long time to have them reissued. Also background
checks will be required if you buy ammo after September
13th.
If you have
a new email or have moved, please contact Tony Lomanto with the new
information to update our records.
Bob
Valentino urged members to visit the Retirees Website at least once
a week to keep up to date. It is www.beyondtheline-tpa.org
After a
delicious meal, President Valentino adjourned the meeting at 2:40
pm. On a side note, we changed the meeting menu from pizza to a
full course meal and it appears everyone was well satisfied with
this. We will continue this practice at future meetings here at
Spuntinos.
Respectfully submitted,
Bob
Forrester
A few photos taken at the meeting:
 President Valentino addressing the
membership Our
Official Greeters, Tom Greer and Greg Stripp

Good friends enjoying good company and good
food |
|
|

|
|
|
August 11,
2023
JUDGE FRANK RULES IN FAVOR OF THE RETIREES
ORGANIZATION
|
|
|
From the Organization of Public Service Retirees https://www.nycretirees.org
Judge Frank rules in our favor in a short
decision which is attached. He bases it on the promise made to us
and on the provisions of Admin. Code Section 12-126.
You can
read the PDF of Judge Frank's decision HERE
In short, they won the case and you remain in your current plan.
The City cannot move you into the Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
August 9,
2023
LATEST UPDATE WITH PROPOSED NYC AETNA HEALTH PLAN |
|
|
From the Organization of Public Service Retirees https://www.nycretirees.org
The parties in our most recent case in front of Judge Frank (the
attempt to offer only Advantage plans to Medicare retirees) have
agreed to request that he issue a decision in the case without
further submissions from the parties. (while stipulating that some
previously-submitted documents will be included in the record).
This means that the City will not appeal the preliminary
injunction granted on July 7 and that both parties will wait for a
decision in the case from Judge Frank.
Below is the link to the letter to Judge Frank and the attachment
outlining the previously-submitted documents. Please look at.
numbers 99 and 100: https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/nyscef/ViewDocument?docIndex=1j624zh88boFXBUbyYK2TQ== |
|
|

|
|
|
August 4,
2023 PHOTOS
FROM THE FLORIDA REUNION AND INFO FOR THE NY REUNION |
|
|
From Lou Hollander keystonecop1@verizon.net
Lou
sent out a PDF with photos from another succesful Florida Reunion
that can be viewed HERE
Marilyn Scahill and Paul Murphy have put
together another New York Reunion.
Information can be viewed on the Meetings and Events page. |
|
|

|
|
|
July 29,
2023
RETIREES ORGANIZATION AT A RALLY IN WASHINGTON D.C. |
|
|
Here's an interesting article about the Organization of
Public Service Retirees at a ‘Save Medicare’ rally in
Washington DC. The full article can be read here:
https://www.work-bites.com/view-all/dc-welcomes-nyc-retirees-as-heroes-in-the-fight-to-save-medicare |
|
|

|
|
|
July 25,
2023
DEPENDENTS ON COBRA AND JUDGE'S DECISION |
|
|
We received information from Rose Amengual, Assistant
Deputy Director, Administration Employee Benefits Program,
in response to inquiries we received from surviving spouses who
passed away and selected the COBRA benefits from the City of New
York health plan.
"Please advise all surviving spouses on COBRA that the judge’s
ruling has halted the move to Aetna for them, as well."
This means they will continue in the current plan they now
have. |
|
|

|
|
|
July 19,
2023
AS EXPECTED, THE CITY FILES AN APPEAL OF JUDGE'S TRO
DECISION |
|
|
From the Organization of Public Service Retirees www.nycretirees.org
The
City has filed a notice of appeal in our most recent case. The link
is below. We have no idea how long it will take to have the
appeal heard by the Appellate Division:
https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/nyscef/ViewDocument?docIndex=dfZ8lpe_PLUS_DwVNjs1cGPwaZQ==
Let's
hope the City's failure rate continues in this case. |
|
|

|
|
|
July 7, 2023 JUDGE FRANK ISSUES
TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER AGAINST THE CITY'S AETNA
PLAN |
|
|
To all our
members:
We are very happy to
announce that Judge Lyle Frank has granted a
Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against NYC to
stop the implementation of the Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan that
would have started September 1st.
From the Retired Sergeants
Association:
As reported, an “Interim
Order on Motion” (Motion 001) was made for “Injunction/Restraining
Order” regarding the Aetna MA plan. Yesterday,
July 6th, Hon. Lyle E. Frank came down with a
“Decision & Order On Motion”. He stated that “the petitioners’
application for a preliminary injunction is
granted”.
He goes on to say, “the
Court finds that the petitioners have shown by clear and convincing
evidence that there is a likelihood of success on the merits. The
Court agrees that it is likely that this Court will ultimately find
that the respondents are estopped from switching retirees into a
Medicare Advantage Plan and that New York City Administrative Code
section 12-126 does not permit the action that the City plans to
take. Moreover, the Court also feels that some of the petitioners
are likely to succeed on the merits based on the “Moratorium Law”
and that there is too much uncertainty as to what doctors and other
medical providers will accept the proposed new plan, this rendering
the plan arbitrary and capricious as things presently
stand.”
So, this means is that the
Aetna MA plan is on hold and will not be implemented on September
1st. We are sure that the
City will appeal Hon. Frank’s decision. However, based on the strong
words used by Hon. Frank’s “Decision & Order On Motion” we
believe that this Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) will
stand.
We are awaiting the City’s
next move and more importantly Aetna’s next move. It is
possible that Aetna may withdraw.
The full Judge's decision
can be read here: https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/nyscef/ViewDocument?docIndex=AP/FOvxASbEUkuDjB8jy2g==
From the Organization of
Public Service Retirees:
WE WON THE
TRO!!!
DO
NOTHING! SEND IN NO FORMS! MAKE NO
CALLS TO OPT OUT! EVERYTHING STOPS!
IF YOU ALREADY GOT YOURSELF
INTO A PLAN FOR SEPTEMBER 1, YOU NEED TO CALL AND FIND OUT HOW TO
PAUSE IT OR WITHDRAW.
IF YOU ALREADY FILED YOUR
WAIVER, NOTHING HAPPENS. YOUR CURRENT PLANS STAY IN
PLACE!
SUSCRIBE TO THEIR EMAIL
LIST TO RECEIVE THEIR NEWSLETTER & IMPORTANT UPDATES:
Click here to
Subscribe
We now have THREE full court
cases running, so please make a donation
and get your friends to do so too, especially those who
doubted us!
We won EVERY TIME SO
FAR!!
Make Your Check or Money
Order payable to:
NYC Organization of Public Service Retirees
Mail
to:
NYC Organization of Public
Service Retirees c/o JSH Accounting Services,
LLC
PO Box
143538
Fayetteville, GA
30214
|
|
|

|
|
|
June 22,
2023 PRESIDENT
VALENTINO HONORED AS VETERAN OF THE GAME AT YANKEE
STADIUM |
|
|

Association
President Bob Valentino was honored at Yankee Stadium on June 20th
as "The Veteran of the Game." The video of both the Mets and the
Yankees salute can be seen here:
https://vimeo.com/843243697/8794090307?share=copy |
|
|

|
|
|
June 13,
2023
REPORT OF THE JUNE MEMBERSHIP
MEETING |
|
|
The meeting called to order by President Bob
Valentino at 12:15 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance to the
Flag and a moment of silence for departed and sick members.
Since our last meeting we lost 4 members.
Treasurer Tony Lomanto reported 14 members still
did not pay dues. 12 members were removed after no response to
numerous emails and phone calls where necessary. We have received
many donations that are still coming in.
Regarding our health care issues, the City is filing on June 16th
and our law firm will file on June 20th. We should know
something before June 30th. There is a rally scheduled for
June 20th at which time a bill is scheduled to be introduced at the
City Council to have the GHI/Senior Care plan remain in effect. All
the information is on our website.
Executive Secretary Tom Greer was congratulated
on his promotion to Sergeant in the Nassau PD. He is assigned to the
7th Pct., NCPD. We also celebrated several birthdays and
anniversaries, in particular, Fran and Bob
Forrester on their 60th.
Bob Valentino reported there are still some rooms available for
the Florida Reunion on July 24th to the 26th.
Bob Valentino was honored at City Field on June
3rd and will be honored on June 30th at Yankee Stadium as Vetran of
The Game. Tickets to games at Citifield can cost $285.00, but
Bob can get tickets for $100.00.
Bob mentioned he bowled a 300 game on Tuesday, June 8th.
Congratulations, Mr. President!
Member Joe Asti gave a very informative summary
on Concealed Carry Permits for members living in New York and Nassau
County. For example, in Nassau County there is an HR218 class
given by Safety Quest at SafetyQuestLtd.com or call 631-876-5438.
Bob wished everyone a good summer and urged the
members to visit the website often for updates.
The next meeting will be held at Spuntino's on September 6th at
12:00 pm, and the meeting wasa adjourned at 1:50 pm.
Respectfully submitted, Bob Forrester (with able assistance from
his wife, Fran) |
|
|

|
|
|
June 8,
2023
NYC MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN UPDATE |
|
|
This is the latest information form the Organization of Public
Service Retirees NYCorgOfPublicServiceRetirees@gmail.com
Comptroller Lander Declines to Register Medicare
Advantage Contract Pending
Litigation
New York, NY – The Comptroller’s Office declined to
register the City’s contract with Aetna to transfer City retirees to
a Medicare Advantage program for their health care coverage. A
pending lawsuit, brought on behalf of retirees, questions the City’s
authority to enter into such an agreement.
Comptroller Brad Lander issued the following statement:
“The Comptroller’s Bureau of Contract Administration carefully
reviewed the City’s contract with Aetna and returned the contract to
the Office of Labor Relations without registering it. Pending
litigation calls into question the legality of this procurement and
constrains us from fulfilling 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
the contract.
“As a matter of public policy, beyond the scope of our office’s
specific Charter responsibility for contract registration, I am
seriously concerned about the privatization of Medicare plans,
overbilling by insurance companies, and barriers to care under
Medicare Advantage. “I appreciate the work of the
Municipal Labor Council and the Office of Labor Relations to
negotiate improvements to the Aetna contract to address some of the
concerns raised by retirees. However, the broader Medicare Advantage
trends are worrisome. Recent investigations identified extensive
allegations of fraud, abuse, overbilling, and denials of medically
necessary care at 9 of the top 10 Medicare Advantage plans,
including CVS Health, which owns Aetna.
“As health care activist Ady Barkan wrote last month, noting that
half of Medicare enrollees nationwide have been transferred from
traditional Medicare to private Medicare Advantage plans: ‘Once
corporations privatize every inch of the public provision of health
care, we may never get Medicare back.’”
This article also appeared in The Dialy News today and this item
was added:
Lander’s Advantage move may end up being mostly symbolic, as the
Charter gives a mayor the power to override a comptroller’s contract
rejection.
From the Organization of Public Service
Retirees:
As we said yesterday, we CANCELLED the rally
for today, June 8th. The air quality is very bad and we are very
concerned for your health and safety. We have been advised that the
legislation WILL NOT be introduced from the Council
Stated Meeting as to keep Councilman Barron safe too! We WILL
RESCHEDULE THE RALLY for EITHER JUNE 20 or 22. STAY
TUNED!
This was sent out yesterday, June 7th, by the
Organization:
Justice Lyle E. Frank,
the same judge who decided our first two cases (and who was upheld
unanimously twice by the Appellate Division!) will be handling our
current case. That is good news!
We have learned that he has
set a briefing schedule for the case: the City will file its
responsive papers on Friday, June 16 and our lawyers will file our
reply papers on Tuesday, June 20. Soon after, there will be oral
argument, which retirees may attend.
For those of you who
are worried about this: the judge will definitely issue a decision
before the June 30 deadline to opt out or waive our City health
insurance: he will either issue an interim order to push back the
June 30 deadline or he will rule on the preliminary injunction
before June 30. We definitely will know before the June 30 deadline!
So what should you do now? If you are planning to
waive your City health benefits, don't file the City form just yet.
The OLR form is on its website here: 2023-retiree-special-enrollment-form.pdf
(nyc.gov)
You can see that you can mail
it, fax it, or submit it electronically.
You should
investigate your options if you want to remain in traditional
Medicare with a Medigap plan, and if you need it, a Part D
prescription drug plan. If you live in New York, you have plenty of
time to get those plans with an effective date of September 1: I was
told that you can apply as late as mid-August, but no need to wait
that long, of course. In some other states, you may have to apply
for a Medigap plan soon to have it effective on September 1. Find
out whether you should start the process now and whether you can
withdraw your Medigap application if we win our case. You can apply
for a Part D plan online (if you need one) and that does not take
very long to do.
Marianne emphasizes that you should check to
see whether you can get out of your Medigap plan in the event that
you need to sign up for one soon but then don't need it because we
win our court case. (At least for the Medigap plan I am likely to
take, I can cancel before it takes effect or get out of the Medigap
plan easily if our court case drags on and the Medigap plan has
already taken effect, and only pay for the months that I was
enrolled in it). But check on this!
They are still pushing
for Council legislation that would protect our choice of a
premium-free Medigap plan. The draft calendar for the Council
meeting on Thursday indicates that Council Member Barron will
introduce our legislation but it remains to be seen if he actually
does it.
For the spouses of a deceased retiree currently
taking the COBRA benefits from NYC for their health
plans, we inquired as to their standings and were informed of this
from the Office of Labor Relations (OLR). That benefit is for life
as opposed to the line organization benefits which are only for
three (3) years.
This was their
response:
Thank you for your correspondence to
Commissioner Campion regarding COBRA recipients.
COBRA recipients will go into the Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan,
as the current health plans will cease to exist for these
individuals as of September 1, 2023.
Please be advised that a communication from Aetna to COBRA
recipients regarding the change in health coverage went out last
week.
Below is a link to COBRA information, including rates.
https://www.nyc.gov/assets/olr/downloads/pdf/health/cobra-package-january-2023.pdf |
|
|

|
|
|
June 7,
2023
PRESIDENT BOB VALENTINO HONORED AT CITY FIELD METS GAME |
|
|
Bob was honored as the Veteran of the Game on June 3rd at Citi
Field. The video can be seen here:
https://youtu.be/QLdUL0fczy0 |
|
|

|
|
|
June 6,
2023
RETIREES ORGANIZATION FILES SUIT IN COURT AGAINST AETNA
PLAN |
|
|
The Organization of Retired Public
Employees filed their lawsuit this morning in State
Supreme Court to enjoin the City from moving ahead with the Aetna
plan. They know it's been a bit of a wait, and we know
some of you were stressed out, but we think that when you read
the papers, you'll agree that our lawyers did a great job. Thanks to
all of you who provided affidavits (hundreds of them!) for the case.
The rally scheduled at City Hall for Thursday, June 8th was
cancelled due to dangerous air quality from the fires in Canada. It
has been re-schduled for the 20th or 22nd. The City Council is
expected to have the legislation introduced on the 8th for keeping
the GHI plan in effect.
We will post updates as we
receive them. |
|
|

|
|
|
May 29,
2023
OUR EXECUTIVE SECRETARY IS RECEIVING HIS NEW STRIPES |
|
|

We are very proud to announce the promotion to
Sergeant of our Executive Secretary, Tom Greer. Tom
will receive his Sergeant stripes on Tuesday, May 30th at the 7th
Nassau PD Pct.
Tom was also honored by radio station WBAB as their
Friday's First Responder Recipient last week and
received a $100 gift card at a Moes Southwest Grill restaurant.
In the celebration story, it was mentioned that Tom followed his
father's footsteps (also Tom Greer) and started in the Transit
Police in 1986, rolled over to NYPD in '87 then into Nassau PD in
'94. He worked in Highway from '98 to the present and hopes he can
stay in Highway until he retires.
Well done, Tom! Hearty congratulations and much sucess. |
|
|

|
|
|
May 21,
2023
FLOYD HOLLOWAY'S VIDEO FROM THE BLACK PATCH REUNION |
|
|
At the NY Black Patch Reunion held on Saturday, May 20th, a
number of our members, specifically, Floyd
Holloway, along with Joe Carney from
the Transit PBA, Ken Chiulli and
Steve Mona from the Vandals Unit,
and Hugh Lennon from the Firearms
Range Unit, were honored. Unfortunately
neither Floyd or Joe were able to attend, but Floyd had a video made
of his thanks for the honor.
It can be seen here https://youtu.be/viDlKDGhX8Y
|
|
|

|
|
|
May 17,
2023
LATEST INFORMATION ON THE CITY AETNA MEDICARE ADVANTAGE
PLAN |
|
|
Thanks to Alan Berkowtz berky4@aol.com for
sending this information
The NYC Organization of
Public Service Retirees www.nycretirees.org
still recommends holding off any action as they are still
taking this issue to court. Once a decison is made, we will inform
all our members and fellow retirees.
The latest information
for the City's Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan which is scheduled to
start September 1st can be viewed in this PDF |
|
|

|
|
|
May 4,
2023
REPORT OF MAY MEMBERSHIP
MEETING |
|
|
Minutes of the NYCRTPOA on May 3, 2023 held at Spolini's
Restaurant, Richmond Hill, Queens, NY.
The meeting was called to order at 12:15 pm by President
Bob Valentino with the Pledge of Allegiance to The
Flag. Since the last meeting we lost 14 officers.
Financially, we are doing well and have received many donations
since the last donation period ending on March 12th and we have 20
new members.
Bob spoke about the Defensive Driving Course which will be held
on Saturday, May 20th, 10:00 am at 51 Atlantic Ave. in Floral
Park. Those interested can contact Robin
Becker at tigercat824@verison.net.
Other items discussed were the Bowling Dinner/Dance to be held at
Verdi's on June 9th; the NYCTP Florida Reunion July 24th to the 26th
at the Radisson Resort, Cape Canaveral, FL and the Black Patch
Reunion in Myrtle Beach, Sept. 14-18, 2023. For more
information please see our Website.
Frank Crisa and Tony Lomanto were again
congratulated on the great work done on the Beyond The Line
magazine. Frank encouraged members to send stories to him
which they would like to share. He also requested photographs
which would be returned to you.
Two Birthdays were celebrated - Frank Crisa and
Vinnie Servedio.
The NYC Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan was discussed with help
from Jay Finn of the NY 10-13 Association.
Members were urged to do nothing until we hear from the
organization. Updates will be posted on the Website and by
email.
Members were also encouraged to send donations to the
NYC Organization of Public Service Retirees.
They are litigating very hard on our behalf. See their Website
www.nycretirees.org for
more information.
Bob also suggested we visit our Website every week for updated
info.
Tom Greer spoke about Bob Valentino, a Military
Vet, who will be honored on June 3, 2023, at 4pm (end of the third
inning) by the New York Mets at Citi Field for his Vietnam
Military Service. It may or may not be televised. Bob was an Army
Sergeant and is a Purple Heart Recipient. He also received a
Presidential Citation and 50 Year Commemorative Medal. He
served from 1967 to 1968.
Congratulations, Bob, from the
Board and members, and thank you for your services.
Tony Piazza gave an update on the VSF. Our
new bill will be presented to the Committee, and we will keep at
it.
Bob thanked everyone for coming. The meeting at this new
location was a success, and there was a great turnout. Members
were happy to see those they haven't seen in a long time.
The next meeting will be June 7th at Verdi's in Westbury.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted Bob Forrester, Recording
Secretary |
|
|

|
|
|
April 12,
2023
INFORMATION FROM RETIRED PUBLIC EMPLOYEES ORGANIZATION |
|
|
Information from the Employees
Organization regarding "opting out."
First, do not do anything yet. The
organization will let you know when you need to take any action.
There is no May 1 “deadline” – even under the
current information from OLR, you have until the end of June to “opt
out.”
Second, unless you live in the 10 counties which are covered by
HIP VIP and want to join that plan, you do not want to “opt out” of
Aetna; to do that would mean that you would be put into the HIP VIP
plan. If you want to keep traditional Medicare, and we
do not prevail in court or at the City Council, you will need to
waive your insurance coverage, and must fill out a form to do so.
But again, do not do that yet.
If you have any questions, please email NYCOrgofPublicServiceRetirees@gmail.com
Below is the relevant text of the OLR web page: health-retiree-responsibilities
(nyc.gov)
On September 1, 2023, the City will discontinue the Senior Care
Plan and all other retiree plans except Aetna Medicare Advantage and
HIP VIP. All Medicare-eligible retirees and Medicare-eligible
dependents, with the exception of HIP VIP members, will be
automatically enrolled in the Aetna Medicare Advantage PPO Plan.
HIP VIP members who wish to leave HIP VIP and enroll in the Aetna
Medicare Advantage PPO Plan must complete the Health Benefits
Program Retiree Special Enrollment/Waiver Form (available May 1,
2023).
Retirees who reside in the HIP VIP service area (Manhattan,
Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island, Queens, Nassau, Suffolk,
Westchester, Rockland and Orange counties) and wish to participate
in HIP VIP instead of the Aetna Medicare Advantage plan may do so by
contacting Aetna at 1-855-648-0389 or by visiting Aetna's website at
CONY.AetnaMedicare.com and indicating that they wish to "opt
out" of Aetna Medicare Advantage PPO Plan. No opt-out form
will be required. They must contact Aetna between May 1, 2023,
and June 30, 2023 in order to do so.
HIP VIP members who wish
to remain in the HIP VIP plan do not have to do anything.
Retirees who do not wish to be enrolled in the Aetna Medicare
Advantage PPO Plan or HIP VIP can waive City health coverage.
Retirees must complete the Health Benefits Program Retiree Special
Enrollment/Waiver Form (available May 1, 2023) to waive City
coverage. Retirees who waive health coverage are not eligible for
Medicare Part B reimbursement.
Contact the Aetna NYC Retiree dedicated call center at
1-855-648-0389 (TTY: 711), Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 9
p.m. Aetna will work with you to resolve any questions about the
benefits, the network, or clinical transition questions.
|
|
|

|
|
|
April 2,
2023
UPDATE FOR PRE-MERGE TRANSIT ID CARD RENEWAL |
|
|
Thanks to Alan Berkowitz berky4@aol.com for
sending this out
NEW PROCEDURE FOR TPD ID
CARDS
There is a new procedure for former
members of the TPD to obtain their retired law enforcement ID
card. The cards are still being issued by Transit Bureau but
there is no longer a need to appear in person at Transit Bureau HQ
in Brooklyn. At least one month before your card is due
to expire (or if your card has already expired) call Transit Bureau
at 718-610-4660, Inform the PAA that you’re calling to obtain
a new TPD ID card. The PAA will ask you a series of questions
and ask for a contact telephone number. About a
month later you will receive a call from Transit Bureau ID card
section. You will have to email them a copy of your driver’s
license, your current ID card, and a digital photo of yourself from
the waist up in front of a neutral colored background (no hats or
sunglasses please). After processing, a new ID
card will be mailed to you via certified mail. If you have any
questions, contact Transit Bureau at 718 610 4660 or email them at:
TBHQPERSONNEL@NYPD.org.
|
|
|

|
|
|
March 30,
2023
CITY SIGNS HEALTH PLAN CONTRACT WITH AETNA |
|
|

THE
CITY OF NEW YORK
OFFICE
OF THE MAYOR
NEW
YORK, NY 10007
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March
30, 2023
CONTACT: pressoffice@cityhall.nyc.gov, (212)
788-2958
MAYOR
ADAMS, OLR COMMISSIONER CAMPION ANNOUNCE SIGNING OF MEDICARE
ADVANTAGE CONTRACT
Contract
with Aetna Ensures Lower Deductible, Cap on Out-of-Pocket
Maximums, and New Benefits for City’s
Retirees
Plan
Also Significantly Lowers Numbers of Procedures Requiring
Prior Authorization
NEW
YORK –
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Office of
Labor Relations (OLR) Commissioner Renee Campion today
announced the official signing of the contract between the
City of New York and Aetna to provide a Medicare Advantage
plan to the city’s roughly 250,000 retirees and their
dependents. The New York City Aetna Medicare Advantage plan
will continue the city’s long-standing commitment to providing
high-quality, premium-free coverage to the city’s retirees and
their dependents.
“Our
administration has never wavered in our commitment to provide
retirees and their dependents with high-quality, sustainable
coverage while allowing us to rein in the skyrocketing costs
of health care and the strain it is placing on our city’s
budget,” said Mayor Adams. “This plan improves
upon retirees’ current plans, including offering a lower
deductible, a cap on out-of-pocket expenses, and new benefits,
like transportation, fitness programs, and wellness
incentives. We also heard the concerns of retirees and worked
to significantly limit the number of procedures subject to
prior authorization under this plan. This Medicare Advantage
plan is in the best interests of both our city’s retirees and
its taxpayers.”
“For
months, the city has worked with the Municipal Labor Committee
to diligently negotiate this contract with Aetna to provide a
custom Medicare Advantage program to the city’s retirees,”
said OLR Commissioner Campion. “This
new plan provides substantial improvements to retirees’ health
coverage, as well as new and enhanced benefits. We thank the
MLC for their partnership throughout this process and Aetna
for working with us to provide the best possible plan for New
York City retirees.”
“We’re
honored to offer a customized Medicare Advantage plan that
provides high-quality, affordable, and convenient health care
for City of New York retirees who’ve devoted their
careers to serving New Yorkers,” said Dan Finke,
president, Aetna. “With nearly 60 years of Medicare
expertise and experience, we stand ready to serve retirees
through our network of primary care and specialty physicians,
mental health providers, and hospitals they already know and
trust.”
The
signing of the five-plus year contract follows the official
approval by the Municipal Labor Committee (MLC) on March 9,
2023. As of September 1, 2023, retirees currently enrolled in
the city’s Senior Care plan will automatically be enrolled in
the Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare-eligible retirees and
their dependents will also be able to opt out of the Aetna
Medicare Advantage plan and enrolling in the city’s HIP VIP
Plan instead.
The
city’s Aetna Medicare Advantage plan will provide a lower
deductible for retirees than their current Senior Care plan.
The plan also places a cap on out-of-pocket expenses and
offers new benefits to retirees, including transportation to
certain doctors’ appointments, fitness programs, and wellness
incentives. Additionally, the plan significantly limits the
number of procedures requiring prior
authorization.
“We’ll
continue to build a strong partnership with the City of New
York and the Municipal Labor Committee, which were and will
remain instrumental in helping engage retirees in their health
care,” said Rick Frommeyer, senior vice president,
Aetna Group Retiree Solutions. “We’ve already proactively collaborated on
multiple ways to educate retirees about our Medicare Advantage
plan benefits and to help ensure a smooth transition on
September 1, 2023. We look forward to meeting retirees at one
of the many upcoming open enrollment
meetings.”
The
city is committed to working with Aetna to ease the transition
to the new plan and answer any questions from eligible
retirees. Aetna has built a custom website specifically
for City of New York retirees. The website has
resources for retirees to look up their doctor, find out
detailed information about their plan, and register for online
and in-person information sessions. Retirees can also contact
Aetna’s dedicated call center at 855-648-0389 (TTY: 711),
Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Aetna will
additionally be holding a series of in-person town hall
meetings beginning next week in the New York metro area and
other states with high Medicare-eligible retiree populations
to answer any questions and assist them with the
transition.
In response from the Organization of Public
Service Retirees:
Tens of thousands of retired
teachers, cops, firefighters and other city workers say Adams
is wrong. Citing federal studies that show Advantage plans
can deny beneficiaries “medically necessary” care, retirees
have called on Adams since he took office to let them stay on
traditional Medicare, contending that the switch would put
them at risk of losing access to certain doctors, medical
procedures and drugs.
A group called the NYC
Organization of Public Service Retirees successfully convinced
courts last year to block the first iteration of the Adams
administration’s Advantage plan — and Jake Gardener, a lawyer
for the group, told the Daily News on Thursday that they will
file another lawsuit in hopes of derailing the new plan as
well.
“We will be challenging this violation of the
retirees’ health care rights in court,” Gardener said. “This
is just the latest example of the city trying to save money on
the backs of retired and disabled city workers. What this
would do is to jeopardize the health of a quarter million
elderly and disabled city workers.”
Municipal
employees rally against Medicare Advantage, in lower Manhattan
on March 9, 2023. (Barry Willilams/for New York Daily
News)
Retirees are resisting the Advantage switch,
in part, because Aetna will require pre-authorizations for
some forms of care, a protocol that does not exist under
traditional Medicare. They fear this will result in diluted
coverage, and have depicted it as a life and death
issue. “Retired firefighters, police, EMT workers and
teachers will be forced into a privatized, managed care plan
that has strict in-network, pre-authorization and referral
requirements that will cause potentially life-threatening
delays and denials of care,” said Marianne Pizzitola, a
retired FDNY EMT who leads the NYC Organization of Public
Service Retirees.
“Many of the quarter-million
respected public servants, and all the current NYC public
employees, will be harmed by this damaging decision by Mayor
Adams.” I n his statement, Adams said he sympathizes
with the angry retirees.
“We also heard the concerns of
retirees and worked to significantly limit the number of
procedures subject to prior authorization under this plan,” he
said.
New York Municipal
retirees protest the Municipal Labor Committee voting to
eliminate traditional
Medicare as the only
healthcare option in lower Manhattan, New York City, on March
9, 2023. (Barry Willilams/for New York Daily
News)
The reason courts blocked Adams’ first plan
was because it would’ve levied a $191 monthly premium on
retirees who wanted to opt out of Advantage and stay on
traditional Medicare. The courts found that penalty violated a
local law requiring the city to provide its retirees with
premium-free coverage for life.
Adams’ administration,
with support from the city’s Municipal Labor Committee, says
the new plan structure complies with the court rulings because
there will no longer be a $191 penalty on the table as the
premium-free Advantage coverage is the only insurance option
available to retirees.
Gardener disagreed and claimed
the new plan is also illegal.
“Forcing them into
Medicare Advantage by not even giving them the option of
keeping their existing health insurance is far more damning
and just as illegal,” he said.
Gardener declined to say
exactly on what grounds his group will challenge the new plan,
but added:
“We have a number of grounds that we will
be relying on to ensure that the savings the city is looking
to achieve is not obtained solely on the backs of
retirees.”
We will have to wait and see what happens
next with any possible court
actions.
|
|
|
|

|
|
|
March 19,
2023 LETTER
SENT FROM OFFICE OF LABOR RELATIONS |
|
|
As a retiree under Medicare and using the health benefits
from the City of New York, you should have received this letter from
the Office of Labor Relations (OLR) explaining the latest issues
regarding the planned Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan recently
approved by the MLC. At this time, it is only a contract sent to the
City by Aetna and it has to go through the approval process. Does
anyone really think it will not be approved by the City? The
organization of retired public employees is going over that proposed
contract and is ready to file a court action should they deem it
necessary.
The letter from the OLR can be read HERE |
|
|

|
|
|
March 9,
2023
MARCH MEMBERSHIP MEETING AND UPDATE ON NYC HEALTH PLAN |
|
|
From Recording Secretary Bob Forrester with able assistance
from his wife, Fran
MARCH MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Meeting was called to
order by President Bob Valentino with the Pledge of Allegiance to
the Flag, followed by a moment of silence for the 18 deceased police
officers since the last meeting as well as their families and also
for sick members. We mentioned member Jack Rossiter’s grandson, NYPD
PO Colin Rossiter, who he lost last week.
Bob mentioned that
there is much information on the website and encouraged the members
to avail themselves of it.
On May
20th, there will be a Black Patch Party at Verdi's from
12:30 to 4:00 pm. Floyd Holloway, Joe Carney, Hugh Lennon and
Ken Chiulli will be honored. There will be a few new members
inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame at the affair, but future
inductees will only be held at the annual Association Christmas /
Holiday Party.
Treasurer Tony
Lomanto reported we have $32,139 in checking and so far, we received
$18,000 in donations. This helps to offset the increasing number of
members attaining Lifetime Membership status as dues are no
longer required. Every donation is well appreciated. He also
mentioned that 55 members have not yet paid their dues, and they may
be removed from membership if not received in the next 2
months..
The cost of
publishing the newsletter has gone up along with postage and
mailings. The next issue, 2023-1, will be finalized by this
coming Sunday, March 12th, and will consist of 48 pages. Any
letters or donations received after that will be in the next issue.
Tony and Frank were thanked for all their hard work.
For New York City
residents only, information on renewing your carry permits can
be found on the website below. Unless you completed an HR218 course
before August 31, 2022, you will be forced to take the 16-hour
training course and the 2 hours at the firing range. The alternative
is a permit but only for your home premises.
The Labor Council is
in favor of the new Medical Plan and will be voting on Thursday,
March 9th. Members are encouraged to donate to the NYC Organization
of Public Service Retirees so that the litigation can continue at PO
Box 941, Venice, FL.34284
FOP Lodge #317 will
hold a special Memorial Gathering to honor Joe McGarry from
12:00 to 4:00pm on Saturday, April 15th at The Hartigan House, 517
Central Ave., Bethpage, NY. There will be a Chinese Auction. Full
details will be posted on the “Meetings and Events” page when
finalized and emails will be sent out to Lodge 317 members. All
proceeds of the event will go to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in
memory of Joe McGarry.
The next meeting will
be held on Wednesday, May 3rd From 12:00 noon to approximately 2:00
PM at Spolini's Restaurant 116-25 Metropolitan Ave. (off Union
Turnpike), Richmond Hill. Members asked for another location
closer to Brooklyn & Staten Island and this place was found to
have a large function room and good food. Attendance at this meeting
will determine it as a future location. Tony and Bob will be sending
information on parking and directions.
June 9th there will
be a Bowling League Dinner/Dance at Verdi's. Emil Stucchio and
the Classics will be performing. The cost is $140.00 per
couple but could be less depending on the number of people
attending.
Last year we had 50
new members join. This year so far, we have 43 new members.
Please advise Tony Lomanto if you have a new email address or have
recently moved.
The meeting ended at
2:15 pm.
Bob Forrester
AETNA
MEDICARE ADVANTAGE HEALTH PLAN APPROVED BY THE MUNICIPAL LABOR
COUNCIL TODAY
As
mentioned above, the MLC voted today in favor of accepting the
proposed Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan. Today, March 9th,
they actually voted in favor of the plan. 79% of the voting unions
voted YES and the voting is based on the number of union members.
The UFT, DC37 & the Sanitation union have the most votes.
Crane's Business magazine posted this article about the
vote. It can be viewed in this PDF
There are also
a number of videos on You Tube with Marianne Pizzitola from the NYC
Retirees Organization describing the latest events in their fight
against the City.
We will post ongoing information here as
they develop. |
|
|

|
|
|
March 3,
2023
LATEST NEWS ON NYPD RULES FOR CONCEALED
CARRY PERMITS |
|
|
INFORMATION FOR RETIREES LIVING IN NYC WITH
CONCEALED CARRY PERMITS
NYC CC PERMITSFOR NYC RETIREES LIVING IN NYC 5
BOROUGHS ONLY FROM THE LBA BREAKFAST MEETING JANUARY
2023
THIS SHOULD ANSWER ALL THOSE QUESTIONS I HAVE BEEN
GETTING. IF YOU ARE NOT DUE TO RENEW I SUGGEST YOU PRINT THIS OUT
AND KEEP IT
NEW TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR SOME RETIREES
RESIDING IN NYC TO RETAIN CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT: We would like to
acknowledge and thank Marty Browne (Retired Sergeant) and Director
Nicole Berkovich, from the NYPD License Division, for coming to the
LBA meeting to answer questions from the membership regarding the
new requirement mandating that some retirees attend a sixteen (16)
hour Gun Safety Course and a two (2) hour Live Ammunition Firing
Course to renew their Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit issued by
the New York City Police Department. This requirement, as of now,
only applies to those retirees whose licenses are issued via the
NYPD License Division. The different requirements apply in the
following three (3) unique scenarios:
Retirees Who Retired Prior To September 1,
2017:
For those retirees who separated from service prior to
September 1, 2017, and who receive their Concealed Carry Weapon
(CCW) permit from the NYPD License Division, must satisfy the
following requirements to successfully renew their permit: -
Attend a sixteen (16) hour Gun Safety Course and a two (2) hour Live
Ammo Shooting Course – This is currently a once in a lifetime
attendance requirement. OR - Possess proof of attending at least one
HR 218 course (ID Card) between the periods of September 1, 2017,
through August 31, 2022. OR - Proof of having attended any other Gun
Safety related course during the periods of September 1, 2017,
through August 31, 2022. (check with pistol license of the course is
acceptable)
Retirees who retired between September 1, 2017,
through August 31, 2022: As per the stipulations spelled out in the
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, retirees who
separated from service during this time period are NOT required to
provide any additional proof (training or HR 218) to renew their
Concealed Carry Weapon Permit.
Retirees who retired on or after September 1, 2022: If
they were employed/Active between September 1, 2017, through August
31, 2022, are NOT required to provide any additional proof (training
or HR 218) to renew their Concealed Carry Weapon Permit.
If a retired member who resides in New York City and who receives
their Concealed Carry Weapon permit from the NYPD License Division
does not satisfy the renewal mandates stipulated above, the likely
results are as follows: IF RETIREE POSSESSES A: Retired ID Card,
Expired Concealed Carry Permit, Does NOT Have a Valid HR 218 =
License Division will eventually attempt to confiscate and safeguard
your weapons. License Division will usually allow approximately six
(6) months after the members current permit expires for member to
renew application for Concealed Carry permit. Retired ID Card,
Expired Concealed Carry Permit, VALID HR 218 = Allowed to retain and
carry weapon(s). However, will be unable to purchase ammunition and
buy/sell gun(s) in New York State. The License Division may
eventually contact you to ascertain if you wish to renew Carry or
convert to Premise Permit. Retired ID Card, Expired Concealed
Carry Permit, Valid HR 218, Valid Premise Permit: Allowed to retain
and carry weapon(s). Premise Permit also allows you to purchase
ammunition and to buy/sell gun(s) in New York State. **Please
note that a valid HR 218 is a key requirement in retaining and
carrying your weapon when you do not satisfy the CCW renewal
requirements and therefore do not have a CCW Permit issued by the
NYPD License Division.** Routinely, retired members will receive
a mailed notice from the NYPD License Division, three (3) months
prior to their current CCW Permit expiring advising them how to
apply for their renewal and what requirements are mandated to
successfully renew their CCW. If a member switches from a Concealed
Carry Weapon Permit to a Premise Permit, the member may switch back
to a CCW permit if they can now satisfy the requirements. However,
this conversion cannot take place until the next scheduled permit
renewal date (usually three years). If you are a retiree who
receives your CCW Permit from the NYPD License Division and have
additional question regarding this matter, please contact
646-610-5872. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IT
WAS ASKED ABOUT OTHER COUNTIES OUTSIDE NYC WHO ARE NOT AS STRICT
WITH THESE RULES FOR RETIRED NYPD COPS LIVING THERE AND
RENEWING. THE REPLY WAS THAT THOSE OTHER COUNTIES "ARE NOT
OBEYING THE NEW LAW"
|
|
|

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |