Medicare Blog

how to determine medicare eligibility for city of milwaukee firefighter?

by Leanne Quigley Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

What is it like to be a Milwaukee firefighter?

Being a Firefighter with the Milwaukee Fire Department (MFD) is about more than putting out fires. The MFD’s focus on prevention, education, emergency medical and other emergency services means that you’ll be of service to your community every day, often helping people at their times of greatest need.

Does the Milwaukee Fire Department have a cadet program?

Fire Cadet Program The Milwaukee Fire Department is currently accepting online applications for the 2022 Milwaukee Fire Cadet class.

Who is eligible for Medicare Part A and B in Milwaukee?

 City of Milwaukee employees and their spouses (and any Medicare entitled dependents) over the age of 65 or under 65 and disabled must have Medicare Part A and B in place at the time of the City employee’s retirement to avoid gaps in coverage and additional medical expenses.

Is there a health plan guide for Milwaukee retirees?

This guide includes helpful information for all City of Milwaukee Retirees and is a useful resource as retirees make important decisions regarding health plan choices for 2021.

How long is the Milwaukee Fire Department's firefighting class?

The recruit class is an intensive 16-week program where fire recruits are trained in firefighting and receive emergency medical training.

How many emergency calls does the MFD receive?

A short answer would be the MFD handles all the emergencies that the police don’t. So here’s the complete answer. Of the more than 55,000 calls per year the MFD receives, about 75 to 80 percent are medical emergencies. The rest are varied in nature.

What do MFD members do?

The members of the MFD continually train to remain current with medical standards, fire suppression tactics, and even new vehicle technologies (we respond to numerous car accidents). Additionally, many firefighters earn college degrees in various fields from fire science to city management.

What is the difference between EMT and paramedic?

The difference lies in the training. EMT basic is a semester course and includes basic assessment skills, shock and wound care, and patient packaging. Paramedics have to first complete all EMT‐basic coursework, and then attend an additional year of school.

How many hours do firefighters work?

What type of schedule do firefighters work? Different city fire departments have different work schedules. The MFD work a 24-hour shift and have 48 hours off. MFD firefighters can work a maximum of 48 hours, but are then mandated to have 24 consecutive hours off.

How far does a fire truck carry water?

A Fire Truck (Truck, Aerial or Ladder) doesn’t carry water or a hose. Trucks carry a steel ladder that stretches to 105 feet, with a nozzle at the tip to spray water onto a fire from above and have to be connected to an Engine. Trucks additionally have several ladders stored in back ranging from 8 to 35 feet.

What is the number to call for smoke alarms?

If you live in a single-family home or duplex, please call the Smoke Alarm Hotline at (414) 286-8980. If you live in a apartment building, please contact Department of Neighborhood Services at (414) 286-2268.

How long is the Milwaukee Fire Cadet program?

During the approximately 100 weeks of training cadets complete academic coursework at the college level and attend classes taught by a variety of personnel including MFD instructors, college professors, MCEMS training staff, and a variety of medical professionals at local teaching hospitals to include Anesthesiologists, Cardiologists, Obstetricians, Emergency Room nurses and physicians, nutritionists, fitness trainers, and medical examiner staff to name a few.

What courses are taught in Wisconsin Firefighter 1?

With the exception of Wisconsin Firefighter 1, and Anatomy and Physiology courses are taught at an accelerated pace, but are included as a component of the fire cadets work day.

What is a fire cadet program?

The organization of the Fire Cadet Program closely follows the semester schedule of most Milwaukee Area Colleges and Universities. Cadets are required to complete the components of a given semester in order to maintain employment and progress in the program.

Purpose

Firefighters respond to a wide range of emergencies, performing rescue, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and firefighting duties. Firefighters also operate equipment, maintain equipment and facilities, engage in fire prevention education, pre-fire planning inspections, and carry out other specialized assignments.

Essential Functions

Respond to emergencies including fire, medical, and other forms of disaster under hazardous conditions.

Current Salary

The current annual salary range is $33,368 to $74,045. Appointment is at the beginning of the range. After academy training is complete the salary increases to $44,490 annually with excellent benefits.

Selection Process

The examination process may include a written test, oral interview, physical ability test, and background investigation. All phases of the examination must be successfully completed in order to continue in the selection process. Failure in any segment of the examination disqualifies a candidate from continuing in the selection process.

Preference Points

The preference points may be claimed via the online application, where you'll be prompted to upload the necessary supporting documentation. Alternatively, the required documentation may be mailed to the Fire and Police Commission at Room 706, City Hall, 200 E. Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202-3554, or emailed to [email protected].

COVID-19 Resources

The Milwaukee Fire Department continues to be guided by the CDC, Wisconsin Department of Health, and the City of Milwaukee Health Department regarding best practices for protecting our members and preventing the spread of the virus. For more information regarding COVID-19, the following are resources for you to use:

Smoke Alarm Hotline

City of Milwaukee residents who are in need of a smoke alarm can call the Smoke Alarm Hotline. Fire department personnel will come and install one, free of charge.

Hands-Only CPR: Two Steps to Staying Alive

Hands-Only CPR is CPR without mouth-to-mouth breaths. It is recommended for use by people who see a teen or adult suddenly collapse in an "out-of-hospital" setting (such as at home, at work, or in a park). It consists of two easy steps: 1) Call 911 (or send someone to do that) and 2) Push hard and fast in the center of the chest.

NOW HIRING! Fire Cadet Program

The Milwaukee Fire Department is currently accepting online applications for the 2022 Milwaukee Fire Cadet class. This is a (2) year paid apprenticeship program geared towards young adults 17-19 who are seniors in high school or recently graduated and can work in the U.S.

How many health plans can a city employee carry?

One-Family Plan Rule . City employees and retirees who are married to each other may only carry one City health plan between them. Members are required to report their marriage to ERS, along with a copy of the marriage certificate, within 31 days of the date of marria ge.

How to contact Medicare Advantage?

For more information about the Medicare Advantage plan, contact National Benefit Consultants at 800 -875-1505 or 262- 201-4370. Retiree members witho ut Medicare enrolled in the City’s UHC plan have pharmacy benefits through OptumRx with a 20% coinsurance and a $4 minimum/$75 maximum for a monthly prescription.

How much is Medicare coinsurance?

Medicare members have a 20% coinsurance with a maximum of $75 per month or $150 for a three month supply. Retirees enrolled in City sponsored UHC plans . MUST. notify the ERS in writing by Friday, November 15, 2019 if switching to a non-City plan.

How much will Medicare premiums increase in 2020?

In 2020, based on the utilization and experience of medical and prescription drug services and healthcare cost tre nds, there will be an increase of approximately 6.7 % in the premiums for Medicare retirees and 3 .0% for retirees under 65 without Medicare. In addition, .

What is considered an eligible dependent?

An eligible Dependent is considered to be :  A retiree’s legally married spouse A retiree or spouse's child who is under age 26, including a natural child, stepchild, a legally adopted child, a child placed for adoption or a child for whom the retiree or spouse are the legal guardian .

Who is responsible for keeping enrollment status?

Retirees are responsible for keeping their enrollment status, including births , marriages, Medicare entitlement and other family status changes current by contacting ERS and completing the proper waiver or enrollment forms. See the enrollment instructions on page 16 for more information. Benefits Provider .

Can a spouse choose one Medicare plan?

With the exception of Medicare Part A & B, members with other coverage through separate employment, their spouse’s employment or retirement must choose one plan. There is no penalty for a City member who waives coverage and enrolls in coverage through a spouse or an outside health plan.

When did the police get Medicare?

With passage of Public Law 103-296 by Congress, all States beginning August 16, 1994, had the authority through their Section 218 Agreements to provide Social Security and Medicare coverage or Medicare-only coverage for police officer and firefighter positions already covered under a retirement system.

What is a firefighter or police officer?

What is a police officer or firefighter position? A police officer or firefighter position for Section 218 coverage purposes is any position classified as such in State statutes and court decisions. Generally, these positions exist in the regularly organized police and fire departments of incorporated municipalities, towns, and cities.

When did mandatory medicare stop?

Mandatory Medicare also ceases if the police officer or firefighter has been in continuous employment with the same employer since March 31, 1986. However, mandatory Medicare coverage continues for police officers and firefighters hired after March 31, 1986. Public employers can obtain Medicare-only coverage through a Section 218 Agreement ...

When did police start having to pay Social Security?

Mandatory Social Security and Medicare Coverage. Beginning July 2, 1991 , Social Security and Medicare coverage is mandatory for police officers and firefighters not covered by a qualifying (Social Security equivalent) public retirement system. Mandatory Social Security coverage ceases if the police officer or firefighter later becomes a member ...

When did the police and firefighters pension fund start?

In 1972, the City created the Police and Firefighters' Pension Fund. Social Security coverage continues for the police officers and firefighters. Caveat : Social Security regulations 20 CFR 404.1206 states, "If State law requires a State or political entity to have a retirement system, it is considered established even though no action has been ...

Is Medicare extended to police officers?

How Social Security and Medicare Coverage Is Extended to Police Officers and Firefighters? Social Security and Medicare coverage may be extended to police officers and firefighters whose positions are not covered by a retirement system and to police officers and firefighters whose positions are covered by a retirement system.

Do firefighters get Social Security?

Police Officers and Firefighters. If police officers or firefighters are covered for Social Security, it is usually because the State covered their positions for Social Security under the State's Section 218 Agreement.

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