HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2005.11.10 - 27946•
October 27, 2005
MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTION #05 258
BY: Personnel Committee, Gregory Jamian, Chairperson
IN RE: HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT - RETIREMENT HEALTH SAVINGS PLAN
To the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen,
WHEREAS Oakland County has always been on the fore front of new and innovative
ideas that keep the county financially sound, yet provide benefits for its employees that are in
line with the business community, and
WHEREAS the escalation of health care costs have been continuously monitored and
assessed by the County, and
WHEREAS the cost of retiree health care continues to escalate at a rate exceeding
inflation making it necessary to develop economical alternatives, and
WHEREAS the 2004 Kaiser/HRET Survey of Employer - Sponsored Health Benefits
found the number of large employers offering medical benefits to retirees dropped from 66% in
1998 to 36% in 2004 and 8% of employers eliminated subsidized medical benefits for future
retirees last year and 11% are likely to terminate them this year, and
WHEREAS retirement health care benefits for new employees should be adjusted to
better reflect the marketplace and to further contain costs while maintaining a reasonable
competitive employee compensation package, and
WHEREAS a ''Retirement Health Savings Plan" alternative would allow the County to
further contain costs while offering employees a plan in which to save for health care upon
retirement, and
WHEREAS the plan also allows employees currently covered by the County's retirement
health plan the option to contribute to the Retirement Health Savings Plan.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Commissioners approves the
Retirement Health Savings Plan for full-time Eligible employees hired on or after January 1,
2006 as contained in the attached report and that the Retirement Health Savings Plan shall be the
only retiree health, dental, and vision plan available for employees hired after this date.
Personnel Committee Vote:
Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote with Patterson and Hatchett absent
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that part-time eligible employees hired on or after
January 1, 2006 will not be eligible for County contributions to the retirement health savings
account nor are they eligible for any retiree health, dental, or vision coverage.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the assets of the plan shall be held in trust, with the
County Voluntary Employees' Beneficiary Association (VEBA) Board serving as trustee, for the
exclusive benefit of Plan participants and their beneficiaries.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County's contribution for full-time eligible
employees hired on or after January 1, 2006 shall be $50 bi-weekly. The County's contribution
applies to non-represented employees and represented employees whose collective bargaining
agreement provides for this change.
Chairperson, on behalf of the Personnel Committee, I move the adoption of the foregoing
resolution.
"SUMMARY"
RETIREMENT HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (RHS)
• Employees hired on or after January 1, 2006 will have a Retirement Health
Savings Account rather than Oakland County's health, dental, or vision
coverage when they retire.
• This allows the County to put money into the RHS (Retirement Health Savings)
account on a pre-tax basis and allows the retiree to pay for health insurance or
any IRS allowable health expense on a pre-tax basis.
• Current employees along with new hired employees can contribute to the RHS
on a pre-tax basis using their sick and annual leave payoff.
• Current employees along with new hired employees can contribute, based on a
one-time irrevocable election, pre-tax to their RHS account.
• The plan has a survivor benefit that goes to the spouse, dependent(s) or
designated beneficiary.
• The employee will be able to manage the money through various mutual funds
including life style funds.
• The vesting schedule will remain the same as the current plan, with at least 15
years of service to get 60% and going to 100% at 25 years.
COUNTY CONTRIBUTION
• $ 1,300 per year/$ 50 per pay
• By using a flat dollar amount it will be equal for all employees regardless of
their rate of pay.
k70
VESTING SCHEDULE: Minimum of 15 years actual service with Oakland
County.
15 Years 60% of Employer Portion
16 Years 64% of Employer Portion
17 Years 68% of Employer Portion
Each additional year worked the employee will receive an additional 4%.
25 Years 100% of Employer Portion
30 Years 100% of Employer Portion
35 Years 100% of Employer Portion
EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTION
I Pre-Tax Minimum = 1% Maximum = 50%
▪ Employee contributions are always 100% vested.
• Employee can put off making an election as long as they choose. However,
once they make a decision to begin pre-tax contributions, they cannot change
the amount. They have a one-time irrevocable election.
FORFEITURES
• The money that is not vested when an employee separates from the county will
go into a forfeiture account and will be reallocated as needed to offset plan
payments.
GAINS & LOSSES
• The employee will be allowed to invest 100% of the county's contributions to
the plan along with their own contributions.
PAYOFF OF LEAVE TIME
• The employees can designate a flat dollar amount of their annual and sick leave
time to be deposited into the RHS account when they separate from service.
7,5%
S
OAKLAND COUNTY
RETIREMENT HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT
(Estimated Value)
Employer Contribution $50 bi-weekly Assumed Rate
of Return
1giOT.01#..;t1 • .•
. • • .• , •
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
$1,300
$1,300
$1,300
$1,300
$1,300
$1,300
$1,300
$1,300
$1,300
$1,300
$1,300
$1,300
$1,300
$1,300
$1,300
$1,300
$1,300
$1,300
$1,300
$1,300
$1,300
$1,300
$1,300
$1,300
$1,300
$49
$150
$259
$376
$501
$636
$782
$938
$1,105
$1,286
$1,480
$1,688
$1,912
$2,153
$2,412
$2,691
$2,990
$3,312
$3,658
$4,030
$4,429
$4,859
$5,321
$5,817
$6,351
$1,349
$2,799
$4,357
$6,033
$7,834
$9,770
$11,852
$14,090
$16,495
$19,081
$21,861
$24,849
$28,061
$31,515
$35,227 60%
$39,218 64%
$43,508 68%
$48,120 72%
$53,078 76%
$58,407 80%
$64,136 84%
$70,295 88%
$76,916 92%
$84,034 96%
$91,685 100%
26 $1,300 $6,925 $99,910
27 $1,300 $7,542 $108,752
28 $1,300 $8,205 $118,257
29 $1,300 $8,918 $128,476
30 $1,300 $9,684 $139,460
31 $1,300 $10,508 $151,268
32 $1,300 $11,394 $163,962
33 $1,300 $12,346 $177,608
34 $1,300 $13,369 $192,277
*35 $1,300 $14,470 $208,047
36 $0 $15,604 $223,651
37 $0 $16,774 $240,424
38 $0 $18,032 $258,456
39 $0 $19,384 $277,840
40 $0 $20,838 $298,678
*Assumed retirement after 35 years
VANTAGE CARE
RETIREMENT HEALTH SAVINGS PLAN
Retain Booklet
LA RETIREMEIVIrCORPORATION
The; PubliaSector Export
USING THE VANTAGECARE RETIREMENT HEALTH SAVINGS PLAN
RETAIN BOOKLET
This is one of two booklets containing information to establish your VantageCare
Retirement Health Savings (RHS) Plan with the ICMA Retirement Corporation.
This booklet includes:
•Model Integral Part Trust Document
Private Letter Ruling
•Sample Welfare Benefit Plan
Please read the information and retain it for your files.
MODEL INTEGRAL PART TRUST DOCUMENT
You will need to execute a trust document; you may execute the model trust document in this
retain booklet by inserting your information on pages 3, 4, 6, and 12. If you do not use the ICMA-
RC model trust document, your individually designed document must be reviewed and approved
by ICMA-RC prior to your joining the RHS program. This will ensure that ICMA-RC can administer
all provisions of your plan.
The ICMA-RC model trust document has been worded broadly to encompass any employer's
RHS program. In most situations, as with your 457 or 401 plans, the Employer will act as Trustee.
In this case, the terms Administrator and Trustee will refer to the Employer. Each reference to
the Employer, Administrator, or Trustee refers to the Employer acting in the appropriate capacity.
The Trust agreement is not an agreement between you and ICMA-RC; it provides for the legal
establishment of the RHS Trust and lays out the duties of the Employer and Trustee with respect
to the trust. The agreement gives the Employer (acting as Administrator) the ability to designate
another entity (i.e. ICMA-RC) to perform administrative services for the RHS plan. The
Administrative Services Agreement contained in the return booklet constitutes the contract
between you and ICMA-RC for these services.
The ICMA-RC model trust document may also be used in the situation where the Employer
retains the services of an outside third-party trustee. In this case, the term Trustee refers to
that third-party trustee.
in no case may ICMA-RC be named as trustee for your RHS plan.
PRIVATE LETTER RULING
ICMA-RC has obtained a private letter ruling from the IRS approving one employer's RHS Plan
trust. Your use of ICMA-RC's model trust document will provide you with comfort that the trust for
your Plan is also within the IRS' requirements. (This is similar to the comfort provided when you
use ICMA-RC's model 457 plan document.) Of course, you may want to talk to your legal counsel
about whether or not you should obtain a private letter ruling on your own RHS trust document if
you choose not to use the 1CMA-RC model document.
Note that the plan upon which the IRS private letter ruling was based did not include certain
features that have subsequently been added to the RHS program. These features include
14-
• the irrevocable election to participate in the program,
• the irrevocable election to contribute compensation or accrued leave*,
• the irrevocable prospective election to contribute leave to be earned in the coming
year*, and
• voluntary employee after-tax contributions (Article 7.2 of the Trust).
*These contribution types are treated as Employer contributions under Article 7.1 and 7.3 of the
Trust.
However, ICMA-RC has obtained the opinion of counsel that these features should be allowed
as long as the requirements outlined in the Trust and Adoption Agreement are met. Any
questions regarding these features of the RHS program can be directed to your ICMA-RC
Retirement Plans Specialist.
SAMPLE WELFARE BENEFIT PLAN
You will need to execute a welfare benefit plan if you do not already have one in place. You may
execute the sample welfare benefit plan provided herein or you may execute your own welfare
benefit plan. It can be a simple document, but it must be in writing in order for your employees to
enjoy tax-free treatment of the benefits they receive from this plan or any other welfare benefit
plan you provide.
FOR ASSISTANCE
Please contact your VantageCare Retirement Health Savings Plan New Business Analyst at 1-
800-326-7272.
Please note that the information in this booklet and the documents herein take into account only
the federal tax rules related to ICMA-RC's VantageCare Retirement Health Savings Plan. Prior to
implementing an RHS plan, the employer is responsible for determining that there are no state or
local laws that would prohibit it from offering the plan to its employees. The employer must also
determine that the options it selects in the VantageCare Retirement Health Savings Plan
Adoption Agreement fall within state/local requirements.
DECLARATION OF TRUST OF THE
OAKLAND COUNTY INTEGRAL PART TRUST
DECLARATION OF TRUST OF THE
OAKLAND COUNTY
INTEGRAL PART TRUST
Declaration of Trust made as of the day of , 2005,
by and between Oakland County, Michigan a county (hereinafter referred to as the "Employer")
and Oakland County VEBA board or its designee (hereinafter referred to as the 'Trustee").
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Employer is a political subdivision of the State of Michigan exempt
from federal income tax under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; and
WHEREAS, the Employer provides for the security and welfare of its eligible
employees (hereinafter referred to as "Participants"), their Spouses, Dependents and
Beneficiaries by the maintenance of one or more post-retirement welfare benefit plans, programs
or arrangements which provide for life, sickness, medical, disability, severance and other similar
benefits through insurance and self-funded reimbursement plans (collectively the "Plan"); and
WHEREAS, it is an essential function and integral part of the exempt activities of the
Employer to assist Participants, their Spouses, Dependents and Beneficiaries by making
contributions to and accumulating assets in the trust, a segregated fund, for post-retirement
welfare benefits under the Plan; and
WHEREAS, the authority to conduct the general operation and administration of the
Plan is vested in the Employer or its designee, who has the authority and shall be subject to the
duties with respect to the trust specified in this Declaration of Trust; and
WHEREAS, the Employer wishes to establish this trust to hold assets and income of
the Plan for the exclusive benefit of Plan Participants, their Spouses, Dependents and
Beneficiaries;
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto do hereby establish this trust, by executing
the Declaration of Trust of the Oakland County Integral Part Trust (hereinafter referred to as the
"Trust"), and agree that the following constitute the Declaration of Trust (hereinafter referred to as
the "Declaration"):
ARTICLE I
Definitions
1.1 Definitions. For the purposes of this Declaration, the following terms shall have the
respective meanings set forth below unless otherwise expressly provided.
(a) "Account" means the individual recordkeeping account maintained under the
Plan to record the interest of a Participant in the Plan in accordance with Section 7.4.
(b) "Administrator" means the Employer or the entity designated by the Employer to
carry out administrative services as are necessary to implement the Plan.
(c) "Beneficiary" means the Spouse and Dependents, or the person or persons
designated by the Participant pursuant to the terms of the Plan, who will receive any
benefits payable hereunder in the event of the Participant's death. A Beneficiary may
also designate a beneficiary(ies) to receive any benefits payable hereunder in the event
of the preceding Beneficiary's death, until the satisfaction of all liabilities under the Plan to
provide benefits. In the case where there is no designated Beneficiary, any amount of
contributions, plus accrued earnings thereon, remaining in the Account must, under the
terms of the Plan, be returned to the Trust.
(d) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to
time.
(e) "Dependent" means an individual who is a person described in Code Section
152(a).
(f) "Investment Fund" means any separate investment option or vehicle selected by
the Employer in which all or a portion of the Trust assets may be separately invested as
herein provided. The Trustee shall not be required to select any Investment Fund.
(9) "Nonforfeitable Interest" means the interest of the Participant or the Participant's
Spouse, Dependent or Beneficiary (whichever is applicable) in the percentage of
Participant's Employer's contribution which has vested pursuant to the vesting schedule
specified in the Employer's Plan. A Participant shall, at all times, have a one hundred
percent (100%) Nonforfeitable Interest in the Partici-pant's own contributions.
(h) "Spouse" means the Participant's lawful spouse as determined under the laws of
the state in which the Participant has his primary place of residence.
"Trust" means the trust established by this Declaration.
a) "Trustee" means the Employer or the person or persons appointed by the E
Employer to serve in that capacity.
ARTICLE II
Establishment of Trust
2.1 The Trust is hereby established as of the date set forth above for the exclusive benefit of
Participants, their Spouses, Dependents and Beneficiaries.
ARTICLE III
Construction
3.1 This Trust and its validity, construction and effect shall be governed by the laws of the
State of Michigan.
3.2 Pronouns and other similar words used herein in the masculine gender shall be read as
the feminine gender where appropriate, and the singular form of words shall be read as the
plural where appropriate.
3.3 If any provision of this Trust shall be held illegal or invalid for any reason, such
determination shall not affect the remaining provisions, and such provisions shall be
construed to effectuate the purpose of this Trust.
ARTICLE IV
Benefits
4.1 Benefits. This Trust may provide benefits to the Participant, the Participant's Spouse,
Dependents and Beneficiary(les) pursuant to the terms of the Plan.
4.2 Form of Benefits. This Trust may provide benefits by cash payment. This Trust may
reimburse the Participant, his Spouse, Dependents or Beneficiary(ies) for insurance premiums or
other payments expended for permissible benefits described under the Plan. This trust may
reimburse the Employer, or the Administrator for insurance premiums.
ARTICLE V
General Duties
5.111 shall be the duty of the Trustee to hold title to assets held in respect of the Plan in the
Trustee's name as directed by the Employer or its designees in writing. The Trustee shall not be
under any duty to compute the amount of contributions to be paid by the Employer or to take any
steps to collect such amounts as may be due to be held in trust under the Plan. The Trustee
shall not be responsible for the custody, investment, safekeeping or disposition of any assets
comprising the Trust, to the extent such functions are performed by the Employer or the
Administrator, or both.
5.2 It shall be the duty of the Employer, subject to the provisions of the Plan, to pay over to the
Administrator or other person designated hereunder from time to time the Employer's
contributions and Participants' contributions under the Plan and to inform the Trustee in writing as
to the identity and value of the assets titled in the Trustee's name hereunder and to keep
accurate books and records with respect to the Participants of the Plan.
ARTICLE VI
Investments
6.1 The Employer may appoint one or more investment managers to manage and control all or
part of the assets of the Trust and the Employer shall notify the Trustee in writing of any such
appointment.
6.2 The trustee shall not have any discretion or authority with regard to the investment of the
Trust and shall act solely as a directed Trustee of the assets of which it holds title. To the extent
directed by the Employer (or Participants, their Spouses and Dependents, or Beneficiaries to the
extent provided herein) the Trustee is authorized and empowered with the following powers,
rights and duties, each of which the Trustee shall exercise in a nondiscretionary manner:
(a) To cause stocks, bonds, securities, or other investments to be registered in its
name as Trustee or in the name of a nominee, or to take and keep the same
unregistered;
(b) To employ such agents and legal counsel as it deems advisable or proper in
connection with its duties and to pay such agents and legal counsel a reasonable fee.
The Trustee shall not be liable for the acts of such agents and counsel or for the acts
done in good faith and in reliance upon the advice of such agents and legal counsel,
provided it has used reasonable care in selecting such agents and legal counsel;
(c) To exercise where applicable and appropriate any rights of ownership in any contracts
of insurance in which any part of the Trust may be invested and to pay the premiums
thereon; and
(d) At the direction of the Employer (or Participants, their Spouses, their Dependents,
their Beneficiaries, or the investment manager, as the case may be) to sell, write options
on, convey or transfer, invest and reinvest any part thereof in each and every kind of
property, whether real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, whether income or non-
income producing and wherever situated, including but not limited to, time deposits
(including time deposits in the Trustee or its affiliates, or any successor thereto, if the
deposits bear a reasonable rate of interest), shares of common and preferred stock,
mortgages, bonds, leases, notes, debentures, equipment or collateral trust certificates,
rights, warrants, convertible or exchangeable securities and other corporate, individual or
government securities or obligations, annuity, retirement or other insurance contracts,
mutual funds (including funds for which the Trustee or its affiliates serve as investment
advisor, custodian or in a similar or related capacity), or in units of any other common,
collective or commingled trust fund.
6.3 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the assets of the Plan shall be held by the
Trustee as title holder only. Persons holding custody or possession of assets titled to the Trust
shall include the Employer, the Administrator, the investment manager, and any agents and
subagents, but not the Trustee. The Trustee shall not be responsible or liable for any loss or
expense which may arise from or result from compliance with any direction from the Employer,
the Administrator, the investment manager, or such agents to take title to any assets nor shall the
Trustee be responsible or liable for any loss or expense which may result from the Trustee's
refusal or failure to comply with any direction to hold title, except if the same shall involve or result
from the Trustee's negligence or intentional misconduct. The Trustee may refuse to comply with
any direction from the Employer, the Administrator, the investment manager, or such agents in
the event that the Trustee, in its sole and absolute discretion, deems such direction illegal.
6.4 The Employer hereby indemnifies and holds the Trustee harmless from any and all actions,
claims, demands, liabilities, losses, damages or reasonable expenses of whatsoever kind and
nature in connection with or arising out of (i) any action taken or omitted in good faith by the
Trustee in accordance with the directions of the -Employer or its agents and subagents hereunder,
or (ii) any disbursements of any part of the Trust made by the Trustee in accordance with the
directions of the Employer, or (iii) any action taken by or omitted in good faith by the Trustee with
respect to an investment managed by an investment manager in accordance with any direction of
the investment manager or any inaction with respect to any such investment in the absence of
directions from the investment manager. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the
Employer shall have no responsibility to the Trustee under the foregoing indemnification if the
Trustee fails negligently, intentionally or recklessly to perform any of the duties undertaken by it
under the provisions of this Trust.
6.5 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Employer or, if so designated by the
Employer, the Administrator and the investment manager or another agent of the Employer, will
be responsible for valuing all assets so acquired for all purposes of the Trust and of holding,
investing, trading and disposing of the same. The Employer will indemnify and hold the Trustee
harmless against any and all claims, actions, demands, liabilities, losses, damages, or expenses
of whatsoever kind and nature, which arise from or are related to any use of such valuation by the
Trustee or holding, trading, or disposition of such assets.
6.6 The Trustee shall and hereby does indemnify and hold harmless the Employer from any and
all actions, claims, demands, liabilities, losses, damages and reasonable expenses of whatsoever
kind and nature in connection with or arising out of (a) the Trustee's failure to follow the directions
of the Employer, the Administrator, the investment manager, or agents thereof, except as
permitted by the last sentence of Section 6.3 above; (b) any disbursements made without the
direction of the Employer, the Administrator, the investment manager or agents thereof; and (c)
the Trustee's negligence, willful misconduct, or recklessness with respect to the Trustee's duties
under this Declaration.
ARTICLE VII
Contributions
7.1 Employer Contributions. The Employer shall contribute to the Trust such amounts as
specified in the Plan or by resolution.
7.2 Participant Contributions. If specified in the Plan, each Participant may make voluntary after-
tax contributions. Under no circumstances shall Participant Contributions exceed an insubstantial
amount. These contributions shall be collected by the Employer and remitted to the Trust for
deposit at such time or times as required under the terms of the Plan.
7.3 Accrued Leave. Contributions up to an amount equal to the value of accrued sick leave,
vacation leave, or other type of accrued leave, as permitted under the Plan. The Employer's Plan
must provide a formula for determining the value of the Participant's contribution of accrued
leave. The Employer's Plan must contain a forfeiture provision that will prevent Participants from
receiving the accrued leave in cash in lieu of a contribution to the Trust.
\D
7.4 Accounts. Employer contributions, Participant contributions, and contributions of accrued
leave, all investment income and realized and unrealized gains and losses, and forfeitures
allocable thereto will be deposited into an Account in the name of the Participant for the exclusive
benefit of the Participant, his Spouse, Dependents and Beneficiaries. The assets in each
Participant's Account may be invested in Investment Funds as directed by the Participant (or,
after the Participant's death, by the Spouse, Dependents or Beneficiaries) from among the
Investment Funds selected by the Employer.
7.5 Receipt of Contributions. The Employer or, if so designated by the Employer, the
Administrator or investment manager or another agent of the Employer, shall receive all
contributions paid or delivered to it hereunder and shall hold, invest, reinvest and administer such
contributions pursuant to this Declaration, without distinction between principal and income. The
Trustee shall not be responsible for the calculation or collection of any contribution under the
Plan, but shall hold title to property received in respect of the Plan in the Trustee's name as
directed by the Employer or its designee pursuant to this Declaration.
7.6 No amount in any Account maintained under this Trust shall be subject to transfer,
assignment, or alienation, whether voluntary or involuntary, in favor of any creditor, transferee, or
assignee of the Employer, the Trustee, any Participant, his Spouse, Dependent, or Beneficiaries.
7.7 Upon the satisfaction of all liabilities under the Plan to provide such benefits, any amount of
Employer contributions, plus accrued earnings thereon, remaining in such separate Accounts
must, under the terms of the Plan, be returned to the Employer.
ARTICLE VIII
Other Plans
If the Employer hereafter adopts one or more other plans providing life, sickness, accident,
medical, disability, severance, or other benefits and designates the Trust hereby created as part
of such other plan, the Employer or, if so designated by the Employer, the Administrator or an
investment manager or another agent of the Employer shall, subject to the terms of this
Declaration, accept and hold hereunder contributions to such other plans. In that event (a) the
Employer or, if so designated by the Employer, the Administrator or an investment manager or
another agent of the Employer, may commingle for investment purposes the contributions
received under such other plan or plans with the contributions previously received by the Trust,
but the books and records of the Employer or, if so designated by the Employer, the Administrator
or an investment manager or another agent of the Employer, shall at all times show the portion of
the Trust Fund allocable to each plan; (b) the term "Plan" as used herein shall be deemed to refer
separately to each other plan; and (c) the term "Employer" as used herein shall be deemed to
refer to the person or group of persons which have been designated by the terms of such other
plans as having the authority to control and manage the operation and administration of such
other plan.
ARTICLE IX
Disbursements and Expenses
9.1 The Employer or its designee shall make such payments from the Trust at such time to such
persons and in such amounts as shall be authorized by the provisions of the Plan provided,
however, that no payment shall be made, either during the existence of or upon the
discontinuance of the Plan (subject to Section 7.7), which would cause any part of the Trust to be
used for or diverted to purposes other than the exclusive benefit of the Participants, their Spouses
and Dependents, and Beneficiaries pursuant to the provisions of the Plan.
9.2 All payments of benefits under the Plan shall be made exclusively from the assets of the
Accounts of the Participants to whom or to whose Spouse, Dependents, or Beneficiaries such
payments are to be made, and no person shall be entitled to look to any other source for such
payments.
9.3 The Employer, Trustee and Administrator may be reimbursed for expenses reasonably
incurred by them in the administration of the Trust. All such expenses, including, without
limitation, reasonable fees of accountants and legal counsel to the extent not otherwise
reimbursed, shall constitute a charge against and shall be paid from the Trust upon the direction
of the Employer.
ARTICLE X
Accounting
10.1 The Trustee shall not be required to keep accounts of the investments, receipts,
disbursements, and other transactions of the Trust, except as necessary to perform its title-
holding function hereunder. All accounts, books, and records relating thereto shall be maintained
by the Employer or its designee.
10.2 As promptly as possible following the close of each year, the Trustee shall file with the
Employer a written account setting forth assets titled to the Trust as reported to the Trustee by
the Employer or its designee.
\L
ARTICLE XI
Miscellaneous Provisions
11.1 Neither the Trustee nor any affiliate thereof shall be required to give any bond or to qualify
before, be appointed by, or account to any court of law in the exercise of its powers hereunder.
11.2 No person transferring title or receiving a transfer of title from the Trustee shall be obligated
to look to the propriety of the acts of the Trustee
in connection therewith.
11.3 The Employer may engage the Trustee as its agent in the performance of any duties
required of the Employer under the Plan, but such agency shall not be deemed to increase the
responsibility or liability of the Trustee under this Declaration.
11.4 The Employer shall have the right at all reasonable times during the term of this Declaration
and for three (3) years after the termination of this Declaration to examine, audit, inspect, review,
extract information from, and copy all books, records, accounts, and other documents of the
Trustee relating to this Declaration and the Trustees performance hereunder.
ARTICLE XII
Amendment and Termination
12.1 The Employer reserves the right to alter, amend, or (subject to Section 9.1) terminate this
Declaration at any time for any reason without the consent of the Trustee or any other person,
provided that no amendment affecting the rights, duties, or responsibilities of the Trustee shall be
adopted without the execution of the Trustee to the amendment. Any such amendment shall
become effective as of the date provided in the amendment, if requiring the Trustee's execution,
or on delivery of the amendment to the Trustee, if the Trustee's execution is not required.
12.2 Upon termination of this Declaration and upon the satisfaction of all liabilities under the Plan
to provide such benefits, any amount of Employer contributions, plus accrued earnings thereon,
remaining in such separate Accounts must, under the terms of the Plan, be returned to the
Employer.
ARTICLE XIII
Successor Trustees
13.1 The Employer reserves the right to discharge the Trustee for any or no reason, at any time
by giving ninety (90) days' advance written notice.
13.2 The Trustee reserves the right to resign at any time by giving ninety (90) days' advance
written notice to the Employer.
Internal Revenue Service
Index Number: 115.02-00
>
Department of the Treasury
Washington, DC 20224
Contac.t Person:
Telephone Number:
In Reference to:
CC : D014 : 2 PLR-116685 -99
Date: December 28 1 1999
City
Trust
State
Dear
This iS in response to a letter dated October 12,, 1999, and
prior correapondence, requesting a private letter ruling that
Trust is •an integral part cf City.
FACTS
City is a political subdivision of State. City currently
maintains one or more post-retirement welfare benefit plans
(collectively, the "Plan") that provide its eligible employees
("Participants") and their beneficiaries ("Beneficiaries") with
life, sickness, medical, disability, severance and other similar
benefits through insurance and f-funded reiMbursement pdans.
City intends to establish Trust to hold assets and income of
the Plan for the exclusive benefit of Participants and their
Beneficiaries.
Trust's Declaration defines "Beneficiaries" to include a
Participant's spouse, any child of the Participant or the
Participant's spouse who is minor or a student within the
meaning of section 151(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code, any
other minor child residing with the Participant, and any other
individual who is a person described in section 152(a) of the
Code. Death benefits may be provided to any Beneficiary
designated by a Participant under the terms of a death benefit
Program or an insurance contract forming par: cf
PLR-116685-39 2
may provide benefits by cash payment, and may reimburse a
Participant, City, or Trust's Administrator for insurance
premiums or other payments expended for permissible benefits
under the Plan.
Under Trust's Declaration, City will be the Administrator of
Trust. City may appoint one or more investment managers to
manage and control all or part of the assets of Trust Under
Trust's Declaration, the Trustee will hold -assets only as
titleholder. „Persons having custody or possession of assets may
include City, the Administrator of Trust, the investment manager,
and their agents and subagents, but not the Trustee. The Trustee
will have no discretion or authority with regard to the
investments of Trust and will act solely as a directed Trustee
with respect to the assets to which it holds title.
The Trustee will mot be responsible or liable fox any loss
or expense that may arise or result from complying with any
direction from the City, the ,Administrator, the investment
manager, or such agents to take title to any assets, or from the
Trustee's refusal or failure to comply with any direction to hold
title, unless it involves or results from the Trustee's
negligence or intentional misconduct. The Trustee may refuse to
comply with any direction if it deems such direction illegal.
City indemnifies and holds the Trustee harmless from any
actions, claims, demands, 14,RhJlitipc, losses, damages or
reasonable expenses of any kind in connection with or arising out
of (i) any action taken or omitted in good faith in accordance
with its directions, (ii) any disbursements made in accordance
'loath directions, or any action taken by Or omitted by the
Trustee with respect to an investment managed by an investment
manager in accordance with any direction of the investment
manager or any inaction regarding any investment in the absence D f directions from the investment manager. City, however, has no
responsibility to the Trustee under the indemnification if the
Trustee fails negligently, intentionally, or reckless to perform
its duties.
City will contribute to Trust such amounts as specified in
the Plan or by resolution. No other 'person or persons will be
Permitted to make any contributions.
The Plan must provide a formula for determining the value of
a Particioant's accrued vacation leaVe, sick leave, or both, in
excess of a threshold number of hours of such leave. City may
contribute amounts so determined to Trust. The Plan will contain
a forfeiture provision that will prevent Participants and their
Beneficiaries from receivina cash in lieu of a contribution to
Trust in their behalf. Contributions, investment income,
realized and unrealized cams and losses, and fn ,---,-sWillbe
deposited into an account in Trust in the name of the Pa—ticinanz
t
PLR-116685-99 3
for the exclusive benefit of the Participant and his or her
Beneficiaries. A Participant may direct the investment of
amounts in her or his account among investments selected by City.
No amount in any account will be subject to transfer, assignment,
or alienation, whether voluntary or involuntary, in favor of any
creditor, transferee, or assignee of City, the Trustee,
Participant or Beneficiary.
city or the Administrator, investment manager, or other
agent designated by City will receive contributions and will
hold, invest, and ,administer contributions without distinction
between principal and income. The Trustee will not be
responsible for the calculation or collection of contributions,
but will hold title to property received as directed by City or
its designee. The Trustee will not be required to keep accounts
of the investments, receipts, disbursements, and other
transaction of Trust except as necessary to perform its title-
holding function. City or its designee will maintain all books
and records.
City reserves the right to alter, amend, or terminate Trust :
at any time for any reason without the consent of .any person. No
amendment affecting the Trustee is effective without the
Trustee's consent, and no termination can result ia any part of
Trust's assets being used for or diverted to purposes other than
the exclusive benefit of Participants and Beneficiaries.
If City adopts other plans providing life, sickness,
accident, medical, disability, severance, or other benefits and
designates Trust as part of such plan, City or its agent will
hold contributions to stint Plan in Trust- The contributions may
be commingled for investment Purposes, but the books and record
of Trust must shoW the portion of Trust allocable to each plan.
Upon the satisfaction of all liabilities under the Plan to
provide benefits, any amounts remaining in any account must be
returned to City.
LAW ie ANALYSIS
Income of an integral part of a state or political
subdivision of a state is not taxable absent specific statutory
authorization. See Rev. Rul. 87-2, 1987-1 C.B. le; section
51i (a) .(2) (B) of the Code, •GCM 14407, C,B. XIV-1, 103 (1935),
superseded by Rev. Rul. 71-181, 1971-1 C.B. 28, Whether an
enterprise is an integral part depends on facts and circumstances
such as the state's degree of control over the enterprise and its
financial commitment to the enterprise_ If an enterprise is an
integral pert of a state or :political subdivision of a state, it
will not be treated as a separate entity for federal tax
purposes, though it may have been farmed as a separate entit7
PLR-116685-99 4
under state law. Section 301.7701-I(a)(3) of the Procedural and
Administrative Regulations.
City has made a substantial financial commitment to Trust by
providing all of its funding. City retains complete control over
Trust because it may amend or terminate Trust at any time City
retains control over the daily operation of Trust by its power to
appoint or remove agents who manage daily operation. The Trustee
is merely a title holder with no power to manage Trust.
CONCIZSION
Provided that City is the only person that makes
contributions to Trust, and Trust accepts or holds only amounts
of money contributed by City, Trust will be an integral part of
City, and any income earned an amounts in Trust will not be
subject to federal income tax,
This ruling is directed only to the ,taxpayer that requested
it Section 6110(k) (3) of the Code 'Provides that it may not be
used or Cited as Precedent.
Except as specifically provided otherwise, no opinion is
expressed on the federal income tax consequences of the
transaction described above'.
In accordance with the terms of a power of attorney on file
in this office, a copy of th" letter is being sent to your
authorized representative.
Sincerely,
Assistant Chief Counsel
(Financial Institutions & Products)
By: William Coppersmith
William E. Coppersmith
Chief, Branch 2
SAMPLE
RETIREE MEDICAL AND DENTAL EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT PLAN
Article I Preamble
1. 1.01 Establishment of Plan
2. 1.02 Purpose of Plan
Article II Definitions
1. 2.01 "Beneficiary
2. 2.02 "Benefits"
3. 2.03 "Code"
4. 2.04 "Dependent"
5. 2.05 "Eligible Medical or Dental Expenses"
6. 2.06 "Employer"
7. 2.07 "Entry Date"
8. 2.08 "Participant"
9. 2,09 "Plan Administrator"
10. 2,10 "Plan Year"
11. 2.11 "Retiree"
12. 2.12 "Spouse"
Article Ill Eligibility
3.01 General Requirements
Article IV Amount of Benefits
1. 4.01 Annual Benefits Provided by the Plan
2. 4.02 Cost of Coverage
Article V Payment of Benefits
1. 5.01 Eligibility for Benefits
2. 5.02 Claims for Benefits
Article VI Plan Administration
1. 6.01 Allocation of Authority
2. 6.02 Provision for Third-Party Plan Service Providers
3. 6.03 Several Fiduciary Liability
4. 6.04 Compensation of Plan Administrator
5. 6.05 Bonding
6, 6.06 Payment of Administrative Expenses
7. 6.07 Timeliness of Payments
8. 6.08 Annual Statements
Article VI Claims Procedure
1. 7.01 Procedure if Benefits are Denied Under the Plan
2. 7.02 Requirement for Written Notice of Claim Denial
3. 7.03 Right to Request Hearing on Benefit Denial
4. 7.04 Disposition of Disputed Claims
5. 7,05 Preservation of Other Remedies
Article VIII Amendment or Termination of Plan
1. 8.01 Permanency
2. 8.02 Employer's Right to Amend
3. 8.03 Employer's Right to Terminate
Article IX General Provisions
1. 9.01 No Employment Rights Conferred
2. 9.02 Payments to Beneficiary
3. 9.03 Nonalienation of Benefits
4. 9.04 Mental or Physical Incompetency
5. 9.05 Inability to Locate Payee
6. 9.06 Requirement of Proper Forms
7. 9.07 Source of Payments
8. 9.08 Tax Effects
9. 9.09 Multiple Functions
10. 9.10 Gender and Number
11. 9.11 Headings
12, 9.12 Applicable Laws
13. 9.13 Severability
ARTICLE I
Preamble
THIS INSTRUMENT made and published by Oakland County (hereinafter called "Employer") on
the day of , 2005, creates the Oakland County Retiree Medical and
Dental Expense Reimbursement Plan, as follows:
1.01 Establishment of Plan
The Employer named above hereby establishes a Retiree Medical and Dental Expense
Reimbursement Plan as of the day of , 2005.
1.02 Purpose of Plan
This Plan has been established to reimburse the eligible Retirees of the Employer for medical
and dental expenses incurred by them, their Spouses, Dependents, and Beneficiaries pursuant
to the Employer's VantageCare Retirement Health Savings (RHS) Plan.
ARTICLE II
Definitions
The following words and phrases as used herein shall have the following meanings, unless a
different meaning is plainly required by the context:
2.01 "Beneficiary" means the person or persons designated pursuant to the terms of the Plan,
who will receive any Benefits payable hereunder in the event of the Participant's death. A
Beneficiary may also designate a beneciary(ies) to receive any benefits payable hereunder in the
event of the preceeding Ben-eficiary's death until the satisfaction of all liabilities under the plan to
provide benefits.
2.02 "Benefits" means any amounts paid to a Participant or Beneficiary in the Plan as
reimbursement for Eligible Medical and Dental Expenses incurred by the Participant or
Beneficiary during a Plan Year by him, his Spouse, his Dependents, or his Beneficiary.
2.03 "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
2.04 "Dependent" means any individual who is a dependent of the Participant within the
meaning of Code Sec. 152.
2.05 "Eligible Medical or Dental Expenses" means those expenses designated by the
Employer as eligible for reimbursement in the VantageCare Retirement Health Savings Plan
Adoption Agreement.
2.06 "Employer" means the unit of state or local government creating this Plan, or any affiliate or
successor thereof that likewise adopts this Plan.
2.07 "Entry Date" means the first day the Participant meets the eligibility requirements of Article
ill as of such Date.
2.08 "Participant" means any Retiree who has met the eligibility requirements set forth in Article
2.09 "Plan Administrator" means the Employer or other person appointed by the Employer who
has the authority and responsibility to manage and direct the operation and administration of the
Plan.
2.10 "Plan Year" means the annual accounting period of the Plan, which begins on the 1st day
of January, 2006, and ends on the 31st day of December, 2006, with respect to the first Plan
Year, and thereafter as long as this Plan remains in effect, the period that begins on January 1,
and ends on December 31.
2.11 "Retiree" means any individual who, while in the service of the Employer, was considered
to be in a legal employer-employee relationship with the Employer for federal withholding tax
purposes, and who was part of the classification of employees designated as covered by the
Employer's VantageCare Retirement Health Savings Plan.
2.12 "Spouse" means the Participant's lawful spouse as determined under the laws of the state
in which the Participant has his primary place of residence.. All other defined terms in this Plan
shall have the meanings specified in the various Articles of the Plan in which they appear.
ARTICLE III
Eligibility
Each Retiree who meets the eligibility requirements outlined in the Employer's VantageCare
Retirement Health Savings Plan shall be eligible to participate in this Plan.
ARTICLE IV
Amount of Benefits
4.01 Annual Benefits Provided by the Plan
Each Participant shall be entitled to reimbursement for his documented, Eligible Medical or Dental
Expenses incurred during the Plan Year in an annual amount not to exceed the account balance
of the Participant in the Employer's VantageCare Retirement Health Savings Plan.
4.02 Cost of Coverage
The expense of providing the benefits set out in Section 4.01 shall be contributed as outlined in
the Em-ployer's VantageCare Retirement Health Savings Plan.
ARTICLE V
Payment of Benefits
5.01 Eligibility for Benefits
(a) Each Participant in the Plan shall be entitled to a benefit hereunder for all Eligible
Medical and Dental Expenses incurred by the Participant on or after the Entry Date of his
or her participation, (and after the effective date of the Plan) subject to the limitations
contained in this Article V, regardless whether the mental or physical condition for which
the Participant makes application for benefits under this Plan was detected, diagnosed,
or treated before the Participant became covered by the Plan.
(b) In order to be eligible for benefits, the Participant must meet the benefit eligibility
criteria outlined in the Employer's VantageCare Retirement Health Savings Plan Adoption
Agreement.
(c) A Participant who becomes totally and permanently disabled (as defined by the
Social Security Administration) will become immediately eligible to receive medical
benefit payments from the Plan. Pursuant to Section 9.02 and Employer's
VantageCare Retirement Health Savings Plan Adoption Agreement, the surviving
Spouse and Dependents, or Beneficiary(ies) shall become immediately eligible to
receive or to continue receiving medical benefit payments from the Plan upon the death
of the Participant.
5.02 Claims for Benefits
No benefit shall be paid hereunder unless a Participant, his Spouse, Dependent or Beneficiary
has first submitted a written claim for benefits to the Plan Administrator on a form specified by
the Plan Administrator, and pursuant to the procedures set out in Article VI, below. Upon receipt
of a properly documented claim, the Plan Administrator shall pay the Participant, his Spouse,
Dependent or Beneficiary the benefits provided under this Plan as soon as is administratively
feasible.
ARTICLE VI
Plan Administration
6.01 Allocation of Authority
The Employer shall control and manage the operation and Administration of the Plan. The
Employer shall have the exclusive right to interpret the Plan and to decide all matters arising
thereunder, including the right to remedy possible ambiguities, inconsistencies, or omissions. All
determinations of the Employer with respect to any matter hereunder shall be conclusive and
binding on all persons.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Employer shall have the following powers and
duties:
(a) To decide on questions concerning the Plan and the eligibility of any Employee to
participate in the Plan, in accordance with the provisions of the Plan;
b) To determine the amount of benefits that shall be payable to any person in accordance
with the provisions of the Plan; to inform the Plan Administrator, as appropriate, of the
amount of such Benefits; and to provide a full and fair review to any Participant whose
claim for benefits has been denied in whole or in part; and
(c) To designate other persons to carry out any duty or power which would
Otherwise be a fiduciary responsibility of the Plan Administrator, under the terms of
the Plan.
(d) To require any person to furnish such reasonable information as it may request for the
purpose of the proper administration of the Plan as a condition to receiving any benefits
under the Plan;
(e) To make and enforce such rules and regulations and prescribe the use of such forms
as he shall deem necessary for the efficient administration of the Plan.
6.02 Provision for Third-Party Plan Service Providers
The Plan Administrator, subject to approval of the Employer, may employ the services of such
persons as it may deem necessary or desirable in connection with operation of the Plan. The
Plan Administrator, the Employer (and any person to whom it may delegate any duty or power in
connection with the administration of the Plan), and all persons connected therewith may rely
upon all tables, valuations, certificates, reports and opinions furnished by any duly appointed
actuary, accountant, (including Employees who are actuaries or accountants), consultant, third
party administration service provider, legal counsel, or other specialist, and they shall be fully
protected in respect to any action taken or permitted in good faith in reliance thereon. All actions
so taken or permitted shall be conclusive and binding as to all persons.
6.03 Several Fiduciary Liability
To the extent permitted by law, neither the Plan Administrator nor any other person shall incur
any liability for any acts or for failure to act except for his own willful misconduct or willful breach
of this Plan.
6.04 Compensation of Plan Administrator
Unless otherwise agreed to by the Employer, the Plan Administrator shall serve without
compensation for services rendered in such capacity, but all reasonable expenses incurred in
the performance of his duties shall be paid by the Employer.
6.05 Bonding
Unless otherwise determined by the Employer, or unless required by any Federal or State law,
the Plan Administrator shall not be required to give any bond or other security in any jurisdiction
in connection with the administration of this Plan.
6.06 Payment of Administrative Expenses
All reasonable expenses incurred in administering the Plan, including but not limited to
administrative fees and expenses owing to any third party administrative service provider,
actuary, consultant, accountant, attorney, specialist, or other person or organization that may be
employed by the Plan Administrator in connection with the administration thereof, shall be paid
by the Employer, provided, however that each Participant shall bear the monthly cost (if any)
charged by a third party administrator for maintenance of his Benefit Account unless otherwise
paid by the Employer.
6.07 Timeliness of Payment for Benefits
Payment for Benefits shall be made as soon as administratively feasible after the required
forms and documentation have been received by the Plan Administrator,
6.08 Annual Statements
The Plan Administrator shall furnish each Participant with an annual statement of his medical
and dental expense reimbursement account within ninety (90) days after the close of each Plan
Year.
ARTICLE VII
Claims Procedure
7.01 Procedure if Benefits are Denied Under the Plan
Any Participant, Spouse, Dependent, or Beneficiary, or his duly authorized representative may
file a claim for a plan benefit to which the claimant believes that he is entitled. Such a claim must
be in writing on a form provided by the Plan Administrator and delivered to the Plan
Administrator, in person or by mail, postage paid. Within thirty (30) days after receipt of such
claim, the Plan Administrator shall send to the claimant, by mail, postage prepaid, notice of the
granting or denying, in whole or in part, of such claim, unless special circumstances require an
extension of time for processing the claim. In no event may the extension exceed ninety (90)
days from the end of the initial period. If such extension is necessary, the claimant will be given
a written notice to this effect prior to the expiration of the initial 30-day period. The Plan
Administrator shall have full discretion to deny or grant a claim in whole or in part. If notice of the
denial of a claim is not furnished in accordance with this Section, the claim shall be deemed
denied and the claimant shall be permitted to exercise his right to review pursuant to Sections
7.03 and 7.04.
7.02 Requirement for Written Notice of Claim Denial
The Plan Administrator shall provide, to every claimant who is denied a claim for benefits,
written notice setting forth in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant:
0.(a) The specific reason or reasons for the denial;
13.(b) Specific reference to pertinent Plan provisions on which the denial is based;
D.(c) A description of any additional material of information necessary for the claimant to perfect
the claim and an explanation of why such material is necessary, and
0.(d) An explanation of the Plan's claim review procedure.
7.03 Right to Request Hearing on Benefit Denial
Within sixty (60) days after the receipt by the claimant of written notification of the denial (in
whole or in part) of his claim, the claimant or his duly authorized representative, upon written
application to the Plan Administrator, in person or by certified mail, postage prepaid, may
request a review of such denial, may review pertinent documents, and may submit issues and
comments in writing.
7.04 Disposition of Disputed Claims
Upon its receipt of notice of a request for review, the Plan Administrator shall make a prompt
decision on the review. The decision on review shall be written in a manner calculated to be
understood by the claimant and shall include specific reasons for the decision and specific
references to the pertinent plan provisions on which the decision is based. The decision on
review shall be made not later than sixty (60) days after the Plan Administrator's receipt of a
request for a review, unless special circumstances require an extension of time for processing, in
which case a decision shall be rendered not later than one hundred-twenty (120) days after
receipt of a request for review. If an extension is necessary, the claimant shall be given written
notice of the extension prior to the expiration of the initial sixty (60) day period. If notice of the
decision on the review is not furnished in accordance with this Section, the claim shall be deemed
denied and the claimant shall be permitted to exercise his right to legal remedy pursuant to
Section 7.05.
7.05 Preservation of Other Remedies
After exhaustion of the claims procedures provided under this Plan, nothing shall prevent any
person from pursuing any other legal or equitable remedy otherwise available.
(c2
ARTICLE VIII
Amendment or Termination of Plan
8.01 Permanency
While the Employer fully expects that this Plan will continue indefinitely, due to unforeseen,
future business contingencies, permanency of the Plan will be subject to the Employer's right to
amend or terminate the Plan, as provided in Sections 8.02 and 8.03, below.
8.42 Employer's Right to Amend
The Employer reserves the right to amend the Plan at any time and from time-to-time, and
retroactively if deemed necessary or appropriate to meet the requirements of the Code, or any
similar provisions of subsequent revenue or other laws, or the rules and regulations in effect
under any of such laws or to conform with governmental regulations or other policies, to modify or
amend in whole or in part any or all of the provisions of the Plan.
8.03 Employer's Right to Terminate
The Employer reserves the right to discontinue or terminate the Plan at any time without
prejudice.
ARTICLE IX
General Provisions
9.01 No Employment Rights Conferred
Neither this Plan nor any action taken with respect to it shall confer upon any person the right
to be continued in the employment of the Employer.
9.02 Payments After Death of Participant
Any benefits otherwise payable to a Participant following the date of death of such Participant
shall be paid as outlined in the Employer's VantageCare Retirement Health Savings Plan
Adoption Agreement.
9.03 Nonalienation of Benefits
No benefit under the Plan shall be subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale,
transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or charge, and any attempt to do so shall be void.
No benefit under the Plan shall in any manner be liable for or subject to the debts, contracts,
liabilities, engagements or torts of any person. If any person entitled to benefits under the Plan
becomes bankrupt or attempts to anticipate, alienate, sell, transfer, assign, pledge, encumber or
charge any benefit under the Plan, or if any attempt is made to subject any such benefit to the
debts, contracts, liabilities, engagements or torts of the person entitled to any such benefit,
except as specifically provided in the Plan, then such benefit shall cease and terminate in the
discretion of the Plan Administrator, and he may hold or apply the same or any part thereof to
the benefit of any dependent or beneficiary of such person, in such manner and proportion as he
may deem proper.
9.04 Mental or Physical Incompetency
If the Plan Administrator determines that any person entitled to payments under the Plan is
incompetent by reason of physical or mental disability, he may cause all payments thereafter
becoming due to such person to be made to any other person for his benefit, without
responsibility to follow the application of amounts so paid. Payments made pursuant to this
Section shall completely discharge the Plan Administrator and the Employer.
9.05 Inability to Locate Payee
If the Plan Administrator is unable to make payment to any Participant or other person to whom a
payment is due under the Plan because he cannot ascertain the identity or whereabouts of such
Participant or other person after reasonable efforts have been made to identify or locate such
person (including a notice of the payment so due mailed to the last known address of such
Participant or other person as shown on the records of the Employer), such payment and all
subsequent payments otherwise due to such Participant or other person shall be escheated
under the laws of the State of the last known address of the Participant or other persons eligible
for benefits.
9.06 Requirement of Proper Forms
All communications in connection with the Plan made by a Participant shall become effective
only when duly executed on forms provided by and filed with the Plan Administrator.
9.07 Source of Payments
The Employer shall be the sole source of benefits under the Plan. No Employee or Beneficiary
shall have any right to, or interest in, any assets of the Employer upon termination of
employment or otherwise, except as provided from time to time under the Plan, and then only to
the extent of the benefits payable under the Plan to such Employee or Beneficiary.
9.08 Tax Effects
Neither the Employer nor the Plan Administrator makes any warranty or other representation as
to whether any payments received by a Participant, his Spouse, Dependents, or
Beneficiary(ies) hereunder will be treated as includible in gross income for federal or state
income tax purposes.
9.09 Multiple Functions
Any person or group of persons may serve in more than one fiduciary capacity with respect to the
Plan.
9.10 Gender and Number
Masculine pronouns include the feminine as well as the neuter gender, and the singular shall
include the plural, unless indicated otherwise by the context.
a8
9.11 Headings
The Article and Section headings contained herein are for convenience of reference only, and
shall not be construed as defining or limiting the matter contained thereunder.
9.12 Applicable Laws
The provisions of the Plan shall be construed, administered and enforced according to the
laws of the State of Michigan.
9.13 Severability
Should any part of this Plan subsequently be invalidated by a court of competent jurisdiction, the
remainder thereof shall be given effect to the maximum extent possible.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have executed this Plan Agreement the date and year first written
above.
Oakland County
By:
ATTEST
Secretary
mom RETIREMENT CORPORATION
777 North Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 1-800-326-7272
www.iernarc.org
BKT000-006-200212-765
3,9
VANTAGECARE
RETIREMENT HEALTH SAVINGS PLAN
Return Booklet
leffn A RETIREMENT' CORPORATIO
Tha. PtaicSactor Expect
EMPLOYER VANTAGECARE RETIREMENT HEALTH
SAVINGS (RHS) PLAN ADOPTION AGREEMENT
Plan Number: 8
Employer Retirement Health Savings Plan Name: OAKLAND COUNTY RETIREMENT
HEALTH SAVINGS (OCRHS)
I. Employer Name: OAKLAND COUNTY State: MICHIGAN
II. The Employer hereby attests that it is a unit of a state or local government or an agency or
instrumentality of one or more units of a state or local government.
III. The Effective Date of the Plan: JANUARY 1,2006
IV. The Employer intends to utilize the Trust to fund only welfare benefits pursuant to the
following welfare benefit plan(s) established by the Employer: Oakland County Retirement Health
Savings Account.
V. Eligible Groups and Participant Eligibility Requirements
A. The following group or groups of Employees are eligible to participate in the VantageCare
Retirement Health Savings Plan:
All Employees
All Full-Time Employees
X Non-Union Employees
Public Safety Employees — Police
Public Safety Employees — Firefighters
X General Employees
X Collectively Bargained Employees - kj.L[eDresentod employees
whose contract provides for this chanae,
X Other (specify below)
All non-union employees and employees in the baraaininn units whose nnntrant nrnviries
for this chanoe. hired on or after 01/01/06 shall he renuireri tn nartininate in the nnpHs
plan. Employees hired prior to 01/01/06 shall have the nnnortilnitv trk irrpvnr:phiv piprt
participation once each year.
The group specified must correspond to a group of the same designation that is defined in the
statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations, personnel manuals or other material in effect in the
state or locality of the Employer.
2
Ell TUI flan nstp in thp OCRI-
For eligible employees hired on or after 1/1/2006, participation shall be
mandatory.
• If this box is checked, in lieu of mandatory participation, for eligible employees hired
prior to 1/1/2006, the Employer provides for a one-time irrevocable election by eligible
Employees to participate in RHS. Until such time as the election is made, the Employee
shall not participate in the Plan or receive contributions pursuant to Section VI.
Employees hired prior to 01/01/06 may elect to participate in the plan. They shall be
provided an election window of 60 days (no more than 60 calendar days) from the date of
initial eligibility during which they may make the election to contribute on a pre-tax basis.
No contribution will be made by the employer. Participation may begin no earlier than the
calendar month following the end of the election window.
If the Employee does not make the election in the year of initial eligibility, the election to
participate may be made in a later year. An annual election window of 60 days (no more
than 60 calendar days) shall be provided during which the election may be made. The
election window shall run from October 1 to November 29. Participation may begin no
earlier than the calendar year following the year of the election.
Once made, the election is irrevocable and may not be revoked while the participant is
a member of the group covered by the RHS plan.
If the Employer's underlying welfare benefit plan or funding under this VantageCare Retirement
Health Savings Plan is in whole or part a non-collectively bargained, self-insured plan, the
nondiscrimination requirements of Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 105(h) will apply. These
rules may impose taxation on the benefits received by highly compensated Employees if the Plan
discriminates in favor of highly compensated Employees in terms of eligibility or benefits. The
Employer should discuss these rules with appropriate counsel.
B. Participant Eligibility
1. Minimum period of service required for participation is _N/A (write N/A if an Employee is
eligible to participate or to elect to participate immediately upon employment).
2. Minimum age required for eligibility to participate is _N/A (write N/A if no minimum age is
required).
VI. Contribution Sources and Amounts
A. Mandatory Contributions
• 1. Direct Employer Contributions The Employer shall contribute on behalf of each
Participant $50 bi-weekly for Full-Time Eligible Employees for the Plan Year.
B. Elective Contributions
1. Elective Pre-Tax Contributions
The Employer will permit each Employee to make the following elections
to make pre-tax contributions to the Plan:
• a. Irrevocable Election for Pre-Tax Contributions from Compensation: A one-time,
irrevocable election of the amount of Employer contributions of compensation made on
his or her behalf.
The Employer limits the amount elected to either a fixed percentage or a range of
percentages of an Employee's earnings
Up to 50% of earnings (as defined in VI.A.1) for the Plan Year.
Newly eligible Employees shall be provided an election window of 60 days (no more than
60) from the date of initial eligibility during which they may make the election to
contribute. Contributions may begin no earlier than the calendar month following the end
of the election window.
If the Employee does not make the election in the year of initial eligibility, the election to
contribute may be made in a later year. An annual election window of 60_days (no more
than 60) shall be provided during which the election may be made. The election window
shall run from October 1 to November 29. Contributions may begin no earlier than the
calendar year following the year of the election.
Once made, the election is irrevocable and may not be revoked.
• b. Irrevocable Election for Pre-Tax Contributions of Accrued Leave: A one-time,
irrevocable election of the amount of employer contributions of Employee accrued
• sick • vacation
• Yes DNo
The Employer limits the amount elected as shown below: Contributions will be limited to
Sick and Vacation leave payoffs due to sanaration fmm SArVir.P
Newly eligible Employees shall be provided an election window of 60days (no more than
60 calendar days) from the date of initial eligibility during which they may make the
election to contribute. Contributions may begin no earlier than the calendar month
following the end of the election window.
If the Employee does not make the election in the year of initial eligibility, the election to
contribute may be made in a later year. An annual election window of 60 days (no more
than 60 calendar days) shall be provided during which the election may be made. The
election window shall run from October 1 November 29. Contributions may begin no
earlier than the calendar year following the year of the election.
Once made, the election is irrevocable and may not be revoked.
C. Limits on Total Contributions
The total contribution on behalf of each Participant (including both mandatory and Elective
Contributions) for each Plan Year shall not exceed the following limit(s):
• There is no Plan-defined limit on the percentage or dollar amount of earnings that may
be contributed.
See Section V.A. for a discussion of nondiscrimination rules that may apply to non-collectively
bargained self-insured Plans.
VII. Vesting Schedule
A. The account is 100% vested at all times, unless specified otherwise in B. below.
B. The following vesting schedule applies to Direct Employer Contributions outlined in VI.A.1:
Years of Specified
Percent Service
Completed Vesting
1-14 0%
15 60%
16 64%
17 68%
18 72%
19 76%
20 80%
21 84%
22 88%
23 92%
24 96%
25 100%
C. The account will become 100% vested upon the duty death or duty disability of the
participant.
D. Any period of service by a Participant prior to a rehire of the Participant by the Employer shall
count toward the vesting schedule outlined in B above if they return within five years of
termination of employment.
5
VIII. Forfeiture Provisions
Upon separation from the service of the Employer or upon reversion to the Trust of a
Participant's account assets remaining upon the participants death (as outlined in Section XI),
a Participants non-vested funds shall:
• Revert to the Employer.
In the case of separation from service, the Participant's non-vested funds shall be applied as
shown above, In the case of reversion due to the Participant's death under Section XI, the
remaining account assets shall be applied as shown above.
IX. Eligibility Requirements to Receive Medical Benefit Payments from the VantageCare
Retirement Health Savings Plan
A Participant is eligible to receive benefits:
At separation from service with the following restrictions. Must meet vesting
requirements listed under section VII for employer contributions. Employee contributions
are always 100% vested.
X. Permissible Medical Benefit Payments
Benefits eligible for payment consist of:
A. All Medical Expenses eligible under RC Section 213* other than direct long-term care
expenses
* See Section V.A. for a discussion of nondiscrimination rules which may apply to non-
collectively bargained, self-insured Plans.
Xl. Death Benefit
In the event of a Participant's death, the following shall apply:
Account Transfer: The surviving spouse and/or surviving eligible dependents (as defined in
Section XIII.F.) of the deceased Participant are immediately eligible to maintain the account and
utilize it to fund eligible medical benefits specified in Section X above.
Upon notification of a Participants death, the Participant's account balance will be
transferred into the Vantagepoint Money Market Fund*. The account balance may be
reallocated by the surviving spouse or dependents.
* Please read the current prospectus carefully prior to investing. An investment in this fund is
neither insured nor guaranteed and there can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to
maintain a stable net asset value of $1.00 per share. Vantagepoint Mutual Funds are distributed
by ICMA-RC Services, LLC, a controlled affiliate of ICMA Retirement Corporation. Member
NASD/SIPC.
r
If a Participant's account balance has not been fully utilized upon the death of the eligible spouse,
the account balance may continue to be utilized to pay benefits of eligible dependents. Upon the
death of all eligible dependents, the balance will be available for medical benefits for the
designated beneficiary of the last dependent or spouse to die. Assets remaining upon the death
of a designated beneficiary shall be available for medical benefits of the beneficiary's designated
beneficiary. If there is no living beneficiary(ies), the account will revert to the Plan to be applied as
specified in Section VIII.
There will be no elective withholding of federal, state, or local taxes for medical benefit
payments to the Participant's spouse's or dependent's designated beneficiary(ies).
If there are no living spouse or dependents at the time of death of the Participant, the account will
be available for medical benefits for the designated beneficiary(ies) of the Participant. Assets
remaining upon the death of all designated beneficiaries shall be available for medical benefits of
the beneficiary's beneficiary. If there is no living beneficiary(ies), the account will revert to the
Plan to be applied as specified in Section VIII. There will be no elective withholding of federal,
state, or local taxes for medical benefit payments to the Participant's beneficiary(ies) or any
beneficiary's beneficiary.
XII. be Minimis Accounts
Upon separation from the service of the Employer prior to a Participant becoming eligible for
medical benefits from a VantageCare Retirement Health Savings Plan account, Participant
accounts that are considered de minimis as specified below will be paid to the Participant.
• The Plan shall not allow de minimis account distributions.
XIII The Plan will operate according to the following provisions:
A. Employer Responsibilities
1. The Employer will submit all VantageCare Retirement Health Savings Plan
contribution data via electronic submission.
2. Participant status updates and/or changes or personal information updates and/or
changes (Participants' termination dates, Participants' benefit eligibility dates, etc.) will be
provided via electronic submission.
B. Participant account administration fees will be paid through the redemption of Participant
account shares, unless agreed upon otherwise in the Administrative Services Agreement.
C. Employer plan fees will be paid by the Employer as outlined in the Administrative
Services Agreement.
D. Assignment of benefits is not permitted.
E. Payments to an alternate payee (payee other than a Participant) are not permitted with
the exception of reimbursement of health insurance premiums to the Employer.
F. An eligible dependent is the Participant's lawful spouse and any other individual who is a
person described in IRC Section 152(a).
G. The Employer will be responsible for withholding, reporting and remitting any applicable
taxes, as outlined in the VantageCare Retirement Health Savings Plan Employer Manual.
XIV. The Employer hereby acknowledges it understands that failure to properly fill out this
Employer VantageCare Retirement Health Savings Plan Adoption Agreement may result in the
loss of tax exemption of the Trust and/or loss of tax-deferred status for Employer contributions.
EMPLOYER By:
Title:
Attest:
Accepted: Vantagepoint Transfer Agents, LLC
C. 3 44-464,41
Corporate Treasurer
Instructions for Completing the VantageCare Retirement Health Savings Plan
Implementation Data Form
FISCAL NOTE (M.R. #05258) November 10, 2005
BY: FINANCE COMMITTEE, CHUCK MOSS, CHAIRPERSON
IN RE: HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT - RETIREMENT HEALTH SAVINGS PLAN
TO THE OAKLAND COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Pursuant to Rule XII-C of this Board, the Finance Committee has
reviewed the above reference resolution and finds:
1. Due to the rapidly increasing cost of providing retiree health care,
most of the business community has implemented alternatives to the
traditional employer paid health care.
2. In order to maintain the on-going fiscal stability of the County and to
continue to provide employee benefits in line with the business
community, the Human Resource Department proposes to establish a
"Retirement Health Savings Plan".
3. Under this plan, non-represented employees, and represented employees
whose contract provides for this change, hired after January 1, 2006
will have a Retirement Health Savings Account (RHS) rather than Oakland
County's traditional health, dental, or vision coverage when they
retire.
4. The County will contribute $1,300 per year ($50 per pay) of pre-tax
dollars to each RHS account. This is a flat dollar contribution
regardless of an individual employee's rate of pay. New hires and
current employees may also contribute a portion of pre-tax dollars to
their RHS account.
5. Like the current system, a new hire must complete 15 years of County
service in order to be vested at 60% of the County's contribution in
the retirement health care system. The percentage of vestment will
increase 4% per year, for each year of service, after 15 years, until
the new hire is fully vested at 25 years of service. Employee's
contributions are always 100% vested.
6. Implementation of this plan would effectively close entrance to the
County's Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) after
January 1, 2006. This will limit the amount the County must contribute
to the VEBA as well as the amount of Other Post Employment Benefits
(OPEB) obligations the County must report on its financial statements.
These limits, however, will not appear immediately, but over time as
new hires are shifted to the RHS system.
7. Based upon a 5% turnover factor estimated contributions would
approximate $295,000, which would be paid from the Fringe Benefit Fund.
As new employees are hired, the annual contribution will increase.
However, the annual contribution to the RHS should be more than offset
by a decrease in the VEBA contribution.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote with Melton and Jamian absent
and Woodward voting no.
'
Resolution #05258 October 27, 2005
The Chairperson referred the resolution to the Finance Committee. There were no objections.
t
Resolution #05258 November 10, 2005
Moved by Jam ian supported by Moss the resolution be adopted.
Discussion followed.
Moved by Gershenson supported by Zack to propose the resolution "Lay on the Table".
Chairperson Bill Bullard stated there will be no discussion as this motion is not a debatable issue.
Vote on motion to "Lay on the Table":
AYES: Melton, Nash, Suarez, Woodward, Zack, Coleman, Coulter, Gershenson, Gregory,
Hatchett. (10)
NAYS: Long, Middleton, Molnar, Moss, Palmer, Patterson, Potter, Rogers, Scott, Wilson, Bullard,
Crawford, Douglas, Jamian, KowaII. (15)
A sufficient majority not having voted in favor, the motion failed.
Discussion followed.
Moved by Melton supported by Nash the resolution be amended to add a BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED
paragraph to read as follows:
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that annually the Personnel Committee will re-evaluate the
amount being contributed for each employee and representatives of the employee unions
and representatives of non-represented employees will be invited to testify.
Discussion on Commissioner Melton's amendment followed.
Nancy Scarlet, Director of Human Resources, addressed the Board in regards to the Retirement Health
Savings Plan.
Further discussion on Commissioner Melton's amendment followed.
Commissioner Melton requested Nancy Scarlet, Director of Human Resources, address the Board to
comment on whether unions were invited to comment on the Retirement Health Savings Plan, and were
there any written comments received. Nancy Scarlet addressed the Board.
Commissioner Douglas addressed the Board and stated she wished to propose an amendment to
Commissioner Melton's amendment or if Commissioner Melton would withdraw his amendment she
would introduce a new version of his amendment. Chairperson Bill Bullard asked Commissioner Douglas
what that amendment would be if presented. Commissioner Douglas read her proposed amendment.
Commissioner Melton withdrew his amendment and Commissioner Nash withdrew his support to the
amendment.
Moved by Douglas supported by Melton the resolution be amended to add a BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED paragraph to read as follows:
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Retirement Health Savings Plan be evaluated and
reviewed annually by the Fringe Benefits Review Committee, the Personnel Committee
and the Finance Committee.
Discussion followed on Commissioner Douglas' amendment.
Commissioner Melton asked Chairperson Bill Bullard to respond on whether the Fringe Benefit Review
Committee reviewed the Retirement Health Saving Plan. Commissioner Douglas and Nancy Scarlet,
Director of Human Resources, addressed the Board in response to this matter.
Commissioner Scott moved to "call the question". There was no support.
Discussion continued on Commissioner Douglas' amendment.
Ruth Johnson, County Clerk
Vote on Commissioner Douglas' amendment:
AYES: Melton, Middleton, Nash, Potter, Rogers, Suarez, Woodward, Zack, Bullard, Coleman,
Coulter, Douglas, Gershenson, Gregory, Hatchett, KowaII. (16)
NAYS: Moss, Palmer, Patterson, Scott, Wilson, Crawford, Jamian, Long. (8)
A sufficient majority having voted in favor, the amendment carried.
Discussion on resolution, as amended followed.
Nancy Scarlet, Director of Human Resources, addressed the Board to answer Commissioner Potter's
questions and concerns.
Discussion on resolution, as amended continued.
Commissioner Woodward asked for a "Point of Clarification" on the Retirement Health Care Savings Plan.
Doug Williams, Retirement Administrator, addressed the Board in response to this issue.
Discussion on resolution, as amended continued.
Chairperson Bill Bullard stated a "Yes" vote would be in support of the resolution, as amended and a "No"
vote would oppose the resolution, as amended.
Vote on resolution, as amended:
AYES: Middleton, Molnar, Moss, Palmer, Patterson, Potter, Rogers, Scott, Suarez, Wilson,
Bullard, Crawford, Douglas, Jamian, KowaII, Long. (16)
NAYS: Nash, Woodward, Zack, Coleman, Coulter, Gershenson, Gregory, Hatchett, Melton. (9)
A sufficient majority having voted in favor, the resolution, as amended, was adopted.
I EBY Nffi Tlf Ftle01111 RESKU1111
STATE OF MICHIGAN)
COUNTY OF OAKLAND)
I, Ruth Johnson, Clerk of the County of Oakland, do hereby certify that the foregoing resolution is a true and
accurate copy of a resolution adopted by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners on
November 10, 2005, with the original record thereof now remaining in my office.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the County of Oakland at
Pontiac, Michigan this 10th day of November, 2005.