Policy 3.79

Definition of "Retiree" for Purposes of the Health Plan

1. Purpose.-- For purposes of a retiree's option of continuing in the District's health insurance program under Fla. Stat. § 112.0801, this Policy is adopted to clarify the terms "retirement," "retiree," or "retired employee" under the FRS Pension Plan and the FRS Investment Plan.

2. General Definitions.-- The following terms are defined as follows:

1. "FRS Pension Plan" means the defined-benefit retirement plan administered under Part I of Florida Statutes Chapter 121.

2. "FRS Investment Plan" means the Public Employee Optional Retirement Program, a defined contribution plan created under Part II of Florida Statutes Chapter 121, which began enrolling members in July 2002.

3. Definition of "Retiree" under the FRS Pension Plan.-- For purposes of continuing in the District's health insurance program, the term "retiree" or "retired employee" under the FRS Pension Plan means, similar to Fla. Stat. § 110.123(2)(g), a person who meets all of the following criteria:

1. has retired and terminated employment under the FRS Pension Plan or is placed on FRS disability retirement with a minimum of one (1) full year of creditable service, as defined by FRS, in Palm Beach County School District immediately preceding retirement;

2. was insured under the District's group health insurance program at the time of retirement; and

3. begins receiving FRS retirement benefits immediately after termination of employment.

4. Definition of "Retiree" under the FRS Investment Plan -- For purposes of continuing in the District's health insurance program, the term "retiree" or "retired employee" under the FRS Investment Plan means, similar to Fla. Stat. §§ 121.4501(2)(j) and 110.123(2)(g), a person who meets all of the following criteria:

1. has retired and terminated employment or been placed on disability retirement under the FRS Investment Plan;

2. was insured under the District's group health insurance program at the time of retirement;

3. begins receiving retirement benefits immediately after termination of employment (i.e., has taken a distribution (either lump sum, direct rollover, or periodic amount as provided in Fla Stat. § 121.591(1)(c), except for a mandatory distribution of a de minimis account authorized by the State Board of Administration): and

4. meets one of the following age and service requirements, as applicable:

1. Regular and Senior-Management Class Employees and Elected Class Members: having six (6) years of creditable Palm Beach County School District service within the immediate past ten (10) years and either:

1. reaching age sixty-two (62); or

2. completion of 30 years of creditable service, regardless of age, which may include a maximum of 4 years of military service credit as long as such credit is not claimed under any other system.

2. Special Risk Employees (as defined by FRS): having six (6) years of creditable Palm Beach County School District service within the immediate past ten (10) years, and either

1. reaching age fifty-five (55); or

2. completing 25 years of creditable service in the Special Risk Class, regardless of age; or

3. completing 25 years of creditable service and attaining age 52, which service may include a maximum of 4 years of military service credit as long as such credit is not claimed under any other system and the remaining years are in the Special Risk Class).

3. Special Situation under IRS Codeand Fla. Stat. § 110.121(2)(g)2 when Applicable: the age specified by section 72(t)(2)(A)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code (age 591/2) with six (6) years of creditable Palm Beach County School District service within the immediate past ten (10) years.