A fundraiser is planned next month for a retired police officer in Sussex County with ALS who lost health benefits that would have paid for medication to slow the progression of the disease due to a switch in insurance carriers last year.

The Byram Township Council on Wednesday said they are working to correct the problem and assisting with grievances against the new insurer..

Todd Duffy, 68, was diagnosed with the rare and progressive neurodegenerative disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in August 2016.

Duffy, who served as the town’s D.A.R.E. officer, retired from the department in 2012, according to the police department’s website. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover medical expenses.

Det. Todd Duffy in an undated DARE photo shared by the PBA on the GoFundMe campaign.

A $50-a-plate beefsteak benefit dinner will take place from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. on Feb. 15 in the Richards Building at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. Proceeds from the event, which includes raffles, will help to pay for Duffy’s medical care, according to organizers.

The event will be hosted by members of PBA 138 and Sussex County Police Athletic League, along with assistance from the Byram Township Fire Department and Lakeland Emergency Squad, according to fliers promoting the event.

The fundraiser was also publicized in an unsigned Facebook post on Dec. 31, along with a message criticizing the township for changing insurance plans to save money.

“(Duffy) is in desperate need of medication that was denied to him after a unilateral insurance change by an unappreciative and uncaring employer, the Township of Byram,” the post states. “Seeking to save money, Todd’s benefits were changed without his consent or any consideration for his health and welfare.”

Todd Duffy in an undated D.A.R.E photo included in the GoFundMe campaign.

Mayor Alex Rubenstein called the post inaccurate. He said the township switched in June to New Jersey State Healthcare Benefits Plan, which prompted several police retirees to file grievances over changes in coverage.

Four of the retirees, including Duffy, were found to have valid claims, the mayor said.

“First and foremost, the township is in support of the fundraising efforts for Mr. Duffy,” Rubenstein said in a statement Wednesday on behalf of himself and the township council. “The township and its officials are aware that there may be expenses that are accumulating related to Mr. Duffy’s condition that would not be covered by health insurance.”

Rubenstein said the township made the insurance change after successfully negotiating new labor contracts with each union in the township, including the PBA.

“The PBA has always been supportive, and even desirous to move to the (SHBP),” Rubenstein said.

The mayor said a letter from the PBA to the council dated Dec. 10, 2018 urged a switch to the state plan “immediately.”

“We are simply showing that this was not a unilateral, uncaring move by the township, but instead the result of the agreement of all parties – the employer and the employees,” Rubenstein said.

Organizers of the beefsteak fundraiser have not returned calls seeking comment.

Rubenstein said mediation hearings for the retirees who appear to have valid grievances are planned in the coming weeks. “The town is looking to settle this matter quickly,” he said, adding that township officials have spent countless hours assisting Duffy and his family.

“We have communicated directly with the family of the retiree, and we have given them guidance on how to navigate resolving the issue,” he said. “We have even met with the director of the SHBP to advocate for the retiree. However, as with any healthcare plan, the patient is subject to certain procedures that must be followed.”

Rubenstein said privacy laws prevent him from discussing Duffy’s case more specifically.

For tickets to the fundraiser, call: John Donofrio, 973-219-3220; Bob Tierney, 973-647-5295; Mickey Kaylani, 973-460-6426; John Hebble, 201-787-4797; and Peg Reiber, 973-945-9931.

Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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