This article shall be known as "The County Policy
on Retirees' Health Benefits."
As used in this article, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
APPLICABLE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT
The collective bargaining unit that the person was covered
by at the time of leaving the employee of the County, or if an unrepresented
employee, the level of benefits in a collective agreement that was
followed, for the titled position that the employee held when the
employee last worked for the County.
BENEFITS
The health benefits provided to active employees of Rockland
County that they had or will receive pursuant to their enrollment
in the health benefits plan they participate in at the time of retirement.
RETIREE
A Rockland County employee who has retired in accordance
with the laws of the State of New York.
RETIREMENT
One who has stopped working for the County and has begun
to receive a pension other than social security.
All retirees from Rockland County employment,
who have the required years of service to be eligible for retirement
benefits, shall be eligible to receive the same level of health benefits
consistent with past practice they received on the last day of their
employment, which shall be continued upon retirement. The retirees
shall be liable for their share, if any, of the benefits, as fixed
in the applicable collective bargaining agreement or by law. Said
benefits, if due the retiree once he/she enrolled in a family plan,
shall also inure and continue to the benefit of the surviving spouse,
dependent children or legally designated recipient's beneficiary under
the plan.