Employee
Benefits Division
New Fire & Police Retirees: Graduated Retiree Benefits
On November 7, 2007, the Baltimore City Board of Estimates approved Graduated Retiree Benefits. Graduated Retiree Benefits is a program designed to reward Baltimore City employees based on employment longevity in Baltimore City government. The program becomes effective July 1, 2008.
Employees who retire from the City of Baltimore on or after July 1, 2008 with 15 or more Baltimore City service years will continue to receive the current 50% level of contribution towards the cost of their medical plan. Employees who retire from the City of Baltimore on or after July 1, 2008 with less than 15 years of Baltimore City service will receive contributions to the cost of their medical plan benefit based on City service years excluding transfer time and pre-employment military time determined by your retirement system.
New Contribution Schedule for Medical Plan Coverage Only
Retiree |
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If you |
Retiree Contribution |
City Contribution |
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Retiree Before July 1, 2008 |
50% |
50% |
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Retiree |
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If You Retire On or After July 1, 2008 |
Retiree Contribution |
City Contribution |
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With 15 or More City Service Years |
50% |
50% |
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Due To Line of Duty Disability/Non Line of Duty Disability |
50% |
50% |
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With 10 to 14 City Service Years |
80% |
20% |
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With 5 to 9 City Service Years |
100% |
0% |
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With Less Than 5 City Service Years |
Not Eligible |
Not Eligible |
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Beneficiary |
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If your |
Beneficiary Contribution |
City Contribution |
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Beneficiary Benefit Begins Before July 1, 2008 |
50% |
50% |
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Beneficiary Benefit Begins On or After July 1, 2008Due To Line of Duty Death (Active Employee Rate until 65) |
10% (HMO) 20% (PPN) |
90% (HMO) 80% (PPN) |
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Beneficiary Benefit Begins On or After July 1, 2008You Will Receive the Same Contribution the Deceased Retiree Received Upon His/Her Death |
50% 80% 100% |
50% 20% 0% |
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New Fire & Police Retirees: Graduated Retiree Benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Who approved Graduated Retiree Benefits?
Answer: The Board of Estimates approved Graduated Retiree Benefits on November 7, 2007.
Question: When will Graduated Retiree Benefits go into effect?
Answer: Graduated Retiree Benefits will go into effect July 1, 2008. Employees who retire on or after July 1, 2008 with 15 years or less of Baltimore City service will be affected by the new contribution schedule.
Question: Will my other health benefits be affected by Graduated Retiree Benefits?
Answer: No. Graduated Retiree Benefits only applies to your medical plan. The City will continue to pay 100% of the cost of your prescription drug and vision plans.
Question: If I retire after July 1, 2008 with a line-of-duty or non line-of-duty disability, will I receive the 50% contribution towards the cost of my medical plan?
Answer: Yes. Employees who retire with a line of duty or non-line of duty disability will receive the maximum City contribution of 50% towards the cost of their medical plan.
Question: If my spouse receives a beneficiary pension upon my death due to a line of duty death, will my spouse be affected by Graduated Retiree Benefits?
Answer: No. Beneficiaries who receive a pension due to a retiree’s line of duty death will receive a City contribution of 80% (PPN) or 90% (HMO/POS) towards the cost of the active employee medical plan until age 65. Beneficiaries will receive the maximum City contribution of 50% towards the cost of their retiree medical plan when they turn age 65.
Question: If I have any questions regarding Graduated Retiree Benefits, whom should I contact?
Answer: You should contact DHR-Employee Benefits Division at 410-396-5831 and select option 2 and then option 1 to speak to a customer service representative. You may also visit our office at 201 E. Baltimore Street, Suite 500, Baltimore, MD 21202 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
