Bedford City Retiree Benefits Changing In 2021

(BEDFORD) – During Monday night’s Bedford City Council meeting a vote to change retirement health insurance coverage was approved.

The change was set to affect six City of Bedford retirees who are currently enrolled in the city health insurance program. Due to the unexpected change, the city decided to keep the benefits in place at no extra charge to the retirees until January 1, 2021.

The new ordinance states that all city retirees who meet the criteria may keep their coverage. This includes dental and vision at the retirees expense.

Retirees must notify the city in writing 90 days after their date of retirement whether they want to continue their health care coverage. Retirees can not change their coverage or add family members after the 90 day enrollment period.

The retiree will pay 100 percent of the cost of the monthly premium.

In addition, this change brings the ordinance in compliance to Indiana Code.

The changes come following the effects of COVID-19 and revenue shortfalls that will accompany the fallout of the pandemic.

There are expected revenue decreases across the board in property tax revenue and fuel tax revenues that will have an impact in the 2021 budget year.