FOP Suing City Over Proposed Changes In Health Care Benefits

The Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police is filing suit against the City of Indianapolis over changes in proposed health care benefits starting in 2015 which the members believe violates their current collective bargaining agreement with the City. The City plans to eliminate the Advantage HMO Plan currently offered and replace it with a 3-tiered High Deductible Health Plan offered by Anthem. Premium contributions for the officers and family members are expected to more than double with annual contributions ranging from $1,250 for singles and up to $2,500 for other family members covered under the plan. The City will offer plans with lower premium contributions with higher deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket pay. The standard plan will have a $3,500 deductible with $5,000 maximum out-of-pocket pay. One of the big cost-saving changes will mean no contributions made to retired police officers' health insurance coverage. Low-cost clinics are also being established throughout the City to provide basic medical care.