Public Employee Press

Full M’care B reimbursement saved for cultural retirees

DC 37 retirees from the 15 cultural institutions of the Cultural Trust will get full reimbursement for their 2006 Medicare Part B payments.
After many months of discussion, the trustees of the DC 37/Cultural Institutions Health & Security Plan Trust reached agreement June 14 that eligible retirees who are 65 and over will receive a Medicare Part B reimbursement of $88.50 a month up to a maximum of $1,062 for the 2006 calendar year.

“There was concern among the trustees that an agreement on the reimbursement would not be achieved,” said Mike Riggio, director of the DC 37 White Collar Division. Seven DC 37 locals in the division represent employees at the city’s zoos, historical societies, botanic gardens and the New York Aquarium.

The Cultural Trust administers the health and welfare fund benefits for employees of the 15 institutions. Each year the trustees vote whether to provide Medicare B reimbursement for their retirees. (DC 37 retirees in the city and Board of Education retirement systems are reimbursed automatically under a law that does not govern the cultural institutions.)

A difference of opinion arose between the labor and management trustees as to how much money should be reimbursed, Riggio said. But after a series of meetings, the union trustees convinced the board to provide full reimbursement for 2006. The affected retirees were notified by mail.

The board consists of five management trustees and five DC 37 trustees: local presidents Marty Zybora (1501) and Cleveland Terry (1559), former presidents Robert Schirmer (1503) and Jackie Beckett (1559), and Riggio.

“This is a good example of what we can achieve for our members and retirees when DC 37 divisions, departments and benefit programs work together in unity,” said DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts.

Riggio extended the union’s thanks to the many staffers who helped reach the agreement, and Retirees Association President Stuart Liebowitz applauded the union team for producing “a wonderful outcome for our members.”

The Cultural Trust also established new guidelines for retirees who wish to receive the Part B reimbursement. To be reimbursed for 2006 and previous years, members must apply by March 31, 2008. Starting in 2007, eligible retirees must apply by Dec. 31 of the following calendar year. For example, those seeking reimbursement for 2007 have until Dec. 31, 2008, to apply. For more information, please call 212-815-1351.