2005-014-RES AUTHORIZING NEW PERSONNEL POLICIES HANDBOOK

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SECTION 14.16. Privacy Rule Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), the City of Paris as administrator of the City's group health plan, is required to maintain the privacy of employees' protected health information. Protected health information is individually identifiable health information that is transmitted or maintained in writing, electronically, orally or by any other means that is created orreceived by a health care provider, health plan, employer or health care clearinghouse and relates to the past, present or future physical or mental health condition of an individual. Protected health information includes but is not limited to information related to a person's participation in the health plan, and the person's physical or mental health. Each new employee is provided with a copy of a "Notice of Private Practices," for the City. This notice details the City's responsibilities, disclosures required by law and the rights of employees or individuals covered by the City's group health plan as it relates to protected health information. Procedures for how the City will handle protected health information is covered in the notice. (SEE APPENDIX, Attachment 4) SECTION 14.17 - Retirement Plan Employees are covered by two (2) kinds of retirement programs: Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) and Paris Firefighters' Relief and Retirement Fund (PFRRF). The coverage is provided from the date of employment for TMRS and from date of Fireman's Pension Board approval for PFRRF. SECTION 14.18 - Retiree Health Insurance The City of Paris does not payor share any of the cost associated with dependent health insurance coverage. Effective November 1,2004, Retirees will pay 10% or $50.00 toward their insurance premium, whichever is greater. Premiums will be increased in increments of 10% each year up to 50% with increases being effective the beginning of each fiscal year. Health insurance is available to all retirees; however current employees who retire on or after October 1, 2004 will have to meet a Rule of 80 in order for the City to share in any ,of the cost of health insurance. This means that the number of years of service plus the employee's age must equal 80 before the City will share in the cost of the retiree's insurance premium. Health insurance coverage ends when the retiree becomes age 65 or in certain circumstances, when the retiree becomes eligible for MedicareIMedicaid. Employees who are hired on or after October 1, 2004 will have access to the City Group Health Insurance Plan upon retirement; however, the employee will be responsible for the full cost oftheir health insurance premium. Health insurance coverage ends when the retiree becomes age 65 or in certain circumstances, when the retiree becomes eligible for MedicareIMedicaid. SECTION 14.19. Public Safety Officer Health Benefits The City of Paris is a recipient of Local Law Enforcement Block Grants; therefore, must comply with the Public Safety Officers' Health Benefits (PSOHB) provision of Section 1204 of Title 1 ofthe Omnibus 40 Revised 01.25.05