"Under the so-called indemnification law, a community was stepping forward and recognizing it had an ongoing obligation to provide for its injured police and fire after they retired," according to Legislative Chairman Bill Hill. "Unfortunately, we've witnessed more cases in which our members, covered by indemnification, can't get their bills paid."

One of the more serious examples currently is the City of Pittsfield, which recently notified its disabled police and fire that the city was out of funds and they should submit their bills through the regular insurance plans. "I'm very upset that the city is reneging on its obligation," exclaims Jerry Miller, an elected member on the city's retirement board who is, himself, a retired fire lieutenant on disability. "In my position on the board, I've heard from fellow disabled fire and police, who share my outrage, and see the city's actions as an insult to them.

"When they had to retire because of their injuries, these retirees believed that the city would indemnify them one hundred percent. Now they're being told that they have to pay deductibles and co-pays and deal with all the other restrictions under their regular health insurance. It's simply not right."

"Not only have we received calls from Pittsfield but also from Boston," reports Insurance Coordinator Cheryl Stillman. "Members, on disability from the police, have been complaining that their old department has been dragging its feet when it comes to paying.

"We've spoken with the Boston Retirement Board, whose chairman, under the indemnification law, sits on the panel that approves payment of the medical bills. Unfortunately, while the Board chairman, along with the other panel members, approved payment, it's still up to the police (or fire) department itself to actually pay it."

Moreover, problems with the indemnification law are occurring not only in the larger cities but also in other communities. For example, after hearing complaints from its retirees, the Plymouth Retirement Board took action.

"Our Board discovered that town officials were failing to comply with the law, specifically that our chairman was being shut out from decisions on what claims would be paid," according to Legislative Liaison Shawn Duhamel, who also sits on the retirement board. We acted immediately to correct the situation and our chairman is actively involved in the process."

Our Association introduced legislation (HB 229) that we believe addresses a major complaint - long delays in paying bills.

"In many cases involving indemnification, I had to keep checking with officials to make certain that a medical bill, approved for payment, was in fact paid," reports Stillman. HB 229, which is in the Public Service, requires that a community, which has accepted indemnification, act on a medical claim within 60 days. After 60 days and the claim was not paid, a retiree could sue in court and if the won, be awarded their costs, including attorney fees.

"We sponsored the legislation because of problems that our Lynn members were having at that time," comments Hill. "As seen by the delays with Boston police and in other communities, there is clearly a need for this legislation."