November 23rd 2024

LEOFF I Coalition Meeting Notes

LEOFF 1 Coalition notes about the four educational meetings held in Chehalis, Mount Lake Terrace, Spokane, and Kennewick, WA. in September;

 The speakers were atty. Joe Fischnaller, and Dan Downs, both very expert on LEOFF 1. The locations were selected as central to the most likely to attend the meetings and understand  the LEOFF 1 medical benefits and what they are and who decides about necessary medical care.

Everyone attending received a rather comprehensive three ring binder full of knowledge about their benefits and the value of independent local boards that are responsible for decisions as to what is policy and what meets the criteria of the term “necessary medical care”. A fair amount of opinion exists around the state and beyond as to what our medical benifits are thought to be. The bottom line is that the local board alone decides, not the cities, not the counties, and not the fire commissioners nor any other employers.

The book provided covered our pension law RCW 41.26 , Attorney General Opinions that are most relevant, Medicare part B litigation of the past and potential future, and a great deal of discussion on the impact of the Snohomish County court case, and Stegmeier v. Everett.. The book also includes comparisons of medical care covered by many of the variety of boards in the various counties and cities as a survey to show the differences and similarities  of boards decisions.

Participants discovered reasons they may need to vote out particular obstacles to fair board members. Other people realized that former coworkers had been poorly treated involving benefits and left to help those LEOFF 1 friends find a better way to help them live. We heard of senior people forced to pay for some of their lawfully provided long term care benefits. Other people learned that assumed benefits are not guaranteed without board approval. It is safe to believe that some LEOFF 1 people may start attending a few local board meetings. Others may now be willing to run for board office. Still others may decide to seek legal advice and proceed to help justice along.

Educational materials were free to attendees, and costs were covered by the LEOFF 1 Coalition. Our hope is that those with the limited number of books will share around, allow copying, and help other LEOFF 1 people.

Late information;

Atty. Joe Fischnaller has just moved his practice closer to his home, at 14136 NE
Woodenville-Duvall Rd., Suite 220, Woodinville,WA.98072
425-821-2773 (Office)
425-820-5648 (Fax)
206-930-1818 (cell)
Web: jeflaw.com
Email: Joe@jeflaw.com