[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Mansfield 4-28-2004
by Ord. No. 2004-11. Amendments noted where applicable.]
The Township of Mansfield does hereby commit to assist employees of
the Township, not covered by collective bargaining agreements, by providing
certain benefits' coverage after retirement as authorized by N.J.S.A.
40A:10-22 et seq. The Township Committee recognizes and values the hard work
and commitment of these Township employees. The Township Committee also realizes
that postretirement benefits cost are on the rise, and under the authority
of N.J.S.A. 40A:10-22 et seq., implements this chapter to contribute to qualifying
employees assistance in the area of post retirement benefits.
A.
Employees are eligible for postretirement health benefits,
subject to the conditions set forth in this chapter, when the employee attains:
(1)
Fifty-five years of age and has been employed with the
Township for 25 years of service, insured for the full premium.
(2)
Sixty-two years of age with 20 years of service with
the Township, insured for 80% of the premium.
(3)
Sixty-two years of age with 15 years of service with
the Township, insured for 60% of the premium.
B.
Benefits will be offered under the single group health
plan in effect at the time of the employee's retirement or whichever
plan is being offered to the current employees of the township. The participation
rate will remain the same in retirement as the participation rate in effect
at the time of retirement.
A.
An employee is not eligible for postretirement benefits
under this chapter if the employee is eligible, or becomes eligible, for health
benefits under any other private, state or federal health benefit plan.
B.
An employee is not eligible for postretirement benefits
under this chapter if the employee is eligible, or becomes eligible, for health
benefits under a spouses health plan at no additional cost.
C.
An employee may include dependents under the group health
plan; the cost of coverage will be the responsibility of the employee.
D.
Benefits will be paid in equal monthly installments during
the course of the year and be used to directly reduce the premiums for which
the employee is responsible.
E.
Copayments and dependent coverage costs are due and payable
by the retiree to the Township of Mansfield on the 15th of every month covered.
If the retiree should fail to reimburse the Township for any premium which
may be due and it is late by 30 days, the Township will send notice to the
retiree's last known address that the retiree's coverage will be
terminated in 10 days from the date of said notice.
F.
If the employee at retirement elects not to be covered
by the Township and the lifestyle changes, such as death of a spouse or divorce,
which eliminates their eligibility for group health benefits, they would be
eligible to apply for benefits under the Township plan at that time. An employee
must complete the necessary documents and forward them to the Township within
30 days of the lifestyle change. If the employee is not participating in the
plan and desires to be covered under the plan regardless of a lifestyle change,
the employee is eligible to apply for benefits at the next annual anniversary
date in use by the Township.
