Classification:Public

Frequently asked questions reference Arizona Public Safety Personnel Retirement System:

PSPRS Cancer Program

The plan is relatively new and put in place in 2007. The benefits schedule was recently updated in 2015. Unfortunately for some our retirees the program was not in place or they were not aware of the coverage. Their eligibility may have expired. However, do not assume you are not covered! Call PSPRS at 602-255-5575 and ask to speak with a Member Services Representative.

As a member of the PSPRS, when you retire, your coverage under the Public Safety Cancer Insurance Policy Program (CIP) will continue for you under the following provisions:

• You receive 5 months of continued CIP eligibility at no cost to you for every 1 year of credited service with the PSPRS.

• Once your “no cost” eligibility period expires, if you have had a positive diagnosis of cancer, you will have the opportunity to continue your eligibility in the program by paying the annual premiums directly to the PSPRS as established by the Board of Trustees.

Using an example of 20 years of credited service a retiree would have eight years of Cancer Insurance Program Coverage. PSPRS now tracks retirees and 3 months prior to their CIP coverage expiring they send you a letter. If you receive one of these notification letters I would recommend you call and have a discussion with the cancer insurance specialist. If you have previously been diagnosed with cancer you may be eligible to continue the coverage by paying the premium yourself to PSPRS. If you have utilized the program, you can also continue your coverage when it expires by paying the premium. To continue coverage is relatively inexpensive. Remember this is a supplemental program and does not supplant your regular insurance.

The most important part of this short story, DO NOT assume you are not covered. Call PSPRS at 602-255-5575 and ask to speak with a Member Services Representative.

Those who are comfortable with a computer can find more of this information at PSPRS.com, click on Public Safety Personnel (lower left corner), click on Cancer Insurance Program (top red ribbon).

FORPOwww.forpo.comFoundationofRetiredPoliceOfficers

Classification:Public

Death of a Retiree:

Who should be notified of the passing of a City of Phoenix PSPRS retiree?

City of Phoenix Employee Retirement System (COPERS) 200 W. Washington Street 10th Floor Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-534-4400

COPERS is the administrative arm for the PSPRS Local Board. If the member who passed has an eligible beneficiary, COPERS will assist in the completion of paperwork necessary to continue the PSPRS benefit. If there is not a beneficiary COPERS still needs to be notified to discontinue the pension benefits. Either of these scenarios will require local board action. It is important that you contact COPERS as soon as possible so you minimize any disruption to you benefits.

What are PSPRS surviving spouse benefits?

If married to your spouse prior to the time of retirement your spouse qualifies for survivor benefits immediately. If you are not married, or get married after your date of retirement you must be married for at least two consecutive years at the time of the retiree’s death for your spouse to qualify for benefits. (ARS 38-846)

What if the beneficiary passes away before the PSPRS retiree?

Notify COPERS of the passing. There may be the need to name another beneficiary based on how long you have been retired.

What if the PSPRS retiree gets married, or re-married?

Again, notify COPERS there is a specific PSPRS form that needs to be completed for any change of beneficiary.

Is there anyone else who may be notified of the passing of a City of Phoenix PSPRS retiree?

1. Notify COPERS, they will assist you and your family concerning benefits.

2. If you notify PSPRS (602-255-5575) you will be directed you to COPERS and then most likely email COPERS to make sure both government entities are aware.

3. You may wish to notify the City of Phoenix Police Department, Employee Assistance Unit (602-262-1892). This unit usually creates a flyer to inform current and retired employees of a retiree’s death and memorial services if planned.

4. Notify the Foundation of Retired Police Officers at our website FORPO.Com email link, or Retired Phoenix Police Officers Facebook page, or by calling 602-319-5690. The Phoenix Police Department has over 2300 PSPRS retirees and the Foundation (FORPO) offers help in many various ways to retirees and their families.

Classification:Public

Insurance Questions?

If the question concerns PSPRS Cancer Insurance Program call 602-255-5575 If the question concerns your enrolled health insurance coverage call your specific provider.

If the question is during “Open Enrollment” about coverage or actual enrollment you may call PSPRS at 602-255-5575 and ask for a Members Services Representative.

Questions about City sponsored coverage, MERP, and the public safety subsidy should be directed to the City of Phoenix Benefits Office at (602) 262-4777 or benefits.questions@phoenix.gov.

If you are utilizing “Cobra” coverage through the city of Phoenix, and have questions call the city of Phoenix Benefits Office (602) 262-4777.