A: The Plan is available only to CPF Members in good standing who are employed full-time. Seasonal firefighters, volunteers, or firefighters who are not represented by a Local CPF union are not eligible for income protection under PYI.

Q: Do I receive any benefit from the PYI Plan if my illness/injury is work-related?

A: Yes. The PYI Plan is designed to protect 66 2/3% of your income, which means if your workers' comp benefit is less than that, PYI will pay the difference. And should a dispute arise as to whether or not your illness or injury is work related, the PYI plan provides income protection that improves your ability to negotiate a reasonable solution.

Q: 66 2/3% of what? Is overtime included in the income calculation?

A: Generally no. The PYI plan uses "base pay" as the starting point for calculating benefits, and takes a 12-month income average immediately preceding the date you were placed on a "No Pay" status. Base Pay usually consists of income that counts toward your retirement benefits.

Q: Do I have to burn my sick time, vacation time and/or holiday time to receive PYI Plan benefits?

A: No. But, if you recieve payment for accrued vacation and holiday time you will not be considered to be on no-pay status! 

Q: I am currently insured under the PYI Plan and do not fall under the Federal or California Mandated Safety Officers Benefits.  How will the changes that are effective 7/1/2009 going to impact me?

A: You may continue your coverage under the PYI Plan, paying the new premium; however, at the time of claim, you will be subject to a 45-day elimination period and your employer must have placed you on a "no-pay" status.

Q: I am newly hired Member of the Union and am not covered under any mandated safety officers benefit plan.  Am I eligible to apply for coverage?

A: No, not at this time. 

Q: What is the definition of  "no-pay" status as it relates to me at the time of a claim?

A: To be placed on a "no-pay" status means your compensation has been discontinued by your employer. (Any payment by your employer constitutes compensation.) 

Q: If collecting Workers' Compensation benefits, how will the PYI Plan benefit me?

A: The PYI Plan is designed to make sure you recieve 66.7% of your salary. Shoud benefits from Workers' Compensation fall below that percentage, the PYI Plan will make up the difference.

Q: Will the PYI Plan pay in addition to an individual salary continuation policy?

A: Yes, so long as it was not a group or franchise policy sponsored by your employer, union or association.

Q: I am a CPF Local firefighter currently insured under the PYI Plan and fall under the California Mandated Safety Officers Benefits plan.  When would benefits under the PYI Plan begin for me?

A: Your benefits would begin on the date your employer places you on a "no-pay" status

Q: Do pre-existing conditions affect my eligibility for PYI Coverage?

A: Yes. The PYI plan is intended to protect our Members against unexpected illness or injury. If your disability is caused by a medical condition that existed before you were accepted for coverage, the benefit may be reduced for as long as two years.

Q: What is the Advantage of "Open Enrollment?"

A: Open enrollment is the only time that CPF Members can apply for coverage under the PYI plan. If over 50% of your Local Bargaining Unit enrolls in the Plan during the initial open enrollment, the pre-existing condition limitation will be waived. Therefore, a Member who fails to apply during the Open Enrollment must wait as long as one year to apply. And even then, the coverage will exclude pre-existing conditions for that Member for up to two years.

Q: How to I Pay the Monthly Premium?

A: Via convenient payroll deduction, or automatic bank funds transfer.

Q: How do I sign up?

A: Click here to receive a PYI application. Complete it thoroughly, and mail it to the Plan Administrator, Harry J. Wilson, P.O. Box 27020, Fresno, CA 93729.

Q: I still have Questions. who do I call?

A: Diane Wionowsky, 800-549-4242, or dianew@unitedvalley.com

 

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