At the June 3, 2024 Council work session, Council came to consensus on the final eligibility and loss of coverage decision points for the retiree healthcare plan.  This direction provided information to finalize the administrative policy and guidelines associated with this new benefit.

At the December 18, 2023 Council meeting, Council took action to approve the framework for the retiree health plan.  This action set in motion the creation of a transition plan and eligibility for the retiree healthcare plan for employees who retire between January 1, 2024 through June 30, 2024.  This action also provided direction to finalize the retiree healthcare plan design for implementation on July 1, 2024 as outlined above. 

At the December 11, 2023 Council work session, Council reached consensus on the creation of a retiree healthcare plan for eligible retirees. The plan design framework will be a bridge plan that covers retirees from the point of retirement to age of Medicare eligibility. The premium equivalency rate will be 50% retiree, and 50% city. Rates are based on the full premium rate that is established on an annual basis for active employees. Eligibility rules include reaching normal retirement as defined by PSPRS or ASRS for members of each plan. Retirees must also complete ten consecutive years of service immediately preceding their retirement and elect the retiree healthcare plan without a gap in coverage.

For Council members eligibility requires serving two full consecutive terms. At the end of the final term, Council members must elect the retiree healthcare plan without a gap in coverage.

As the final step of approval, Staff recommends adoption of Resolution 2024-2418 and approval of "Policy 1100 Retiree Healthcare" within the City of Goodyear Policy and Administrative Guidelines Manual. 

This action will initiate the open enrollment process for any employee currently covered under the transition plan and will provide the benefit for eligible retirees on a go forward basis effective July 1, 2024.