GIC UPDATE- PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO READ

 USA members,

Paul Toner, vice-President of the MTA, is a trustee on the Group Insurance Commission representing labor and despite his best efforts to veto any changes the following has happened:

Mid-year plan design changes.  I am disappointed to report that at the GIC meeting this morning, the Commission voted to make the plan-design changes. These deductibles and co-pays will be effective on February 1, 2010, and each enrollee will be notified about the changes in advance.  These changes will not apply to enrollees participating in the Medicare supplemental plans, but will apply to all other GIC plans.  Because of these changes, premiums will be reduced and enrollees will see a slight decrease in their share of the premium costs.    The Commonwealth’s Health Savings Account enrollment period is extended until 12/4 and state employees can increase their contributions in light of these changes.  The “savings” generated by this cost-shift was reported to be about 18.8 million dollars; short of the projected deficit of 35 million dollars.  

Paul Toner

So, as you can see the timeline for the health savings account has been extended and I encourage all of you to take a look at joining or increasing your totals.  Clearly this is yet another example of the Commonwealth balancing their budget on our backs.  And further evidence that we need to talk to our legislators about raising revenues here in the Commonwealth.  Please send an email or call your area legislators and tell them we need them to do their jobs and to raise revenues, starting with raising the state income tax back to 5.95% and gently remind them that balancing the budget on the backs of state employees is not acceptable.

On a brighter note I would like to take a moment to wish all of you and your families a Happy Thanksgiving. While times are tough all over we can be thankful for what we do have, our families, our friends, food on our tables, and our health.  So take some time this Thanksgiving holiday to thank someone you love and as always please say a great big thanks to our men and women who are serving in the armed forces to protect us all. 

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving,

Donna