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Q - Can
a former employee take a lump sum distribution of their vested
retirement benefit?
A - The answer is no.
The only lump sum distribution the the Highway and Transportation
Employees' and Highway Patrol Retirement System has is called a BackDROP.
In order to qualify, you need to continue working in a benefit eligible
position with MoDOT or Highway Patrol for at least two years past the
first date you were eligible for normal (full) retirement benefits.
Q - Wellness
Plan - Is there a chance the plan can be increased to $200 for
physicals for a employee and spouse?
A -
This year
we provided the option of the Open Access III plan for most members
(Coventry in the KC/St. Joe area) which allows $350 annually for
physicals for all enrolled members of the plan (employee and enrolled
dependents). This gives the option to those who may want additional
coverage for these services. Of course, it is more costly due to this
and other enhances benefits; but the costs must somehow be paid.
Q - Wellness
Plan -
Can the Plan include eye and
dental care?
A -
Vision and
dental care are (somewhat) available through the MCHCP for most members.
We continue to explore the possibilities of enhancing dental programs,
but the political climate is not conducive to this presently. The vision
plan offered through the MCHCP is actually quite good and affordable.
Generally, although it is practically impossible to measure the
effectiveness of physical exercise programs, I would not recommend
coverage for these as I don't believe this provides sufficient
motivation to maintain an exercise program. I would benefit from
coverage for these programs, but am not sure most members would. We will
continue to monitor and consider options regarding these benefits and
take any action we can to maintain or enhance the benefits.
MCHCP = Missouri Consolidated Health Care
Program
Q - Wellness
Plan - Employees are interested in a preventative physical exercise
program possibly being added to the play. Do you see this as a
possibility?
A -
A
preventive physical exercise program has been considered in the past,
but never added as a benefit. Generally, these are not covered, or
coverage not increased, due to cost concerns. We try to keep cost
increases to a minimum and the increase in costs for existing covered
services has been incredible in the past few years. In addition,
necessary policy changes and compliance with regulations has contributed
to increased costs recently.
Q - How
often does this site get updated?
A -
Anytime I receive information it will be
posted in the next day or two.
Q - When
will the Harry Hill reports become available on the web site?
A -
Our website was not in working order last year during the legislative
session. The Harry Hill report was sent to the President of your
chapter. We will do everything possible to correct the error this
year. Thank You.
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