UFT UPDATE ON MEDICARE PRIVATIZATION (MULGREWCARE)

This is from the UFT. They never mention in their literature that moving 300,000 NYC retirees into a privatized medical plan sets the cause of getting a universal healthcare plan for everyone back considerably. Certain goods should be public goods. Healthcare should be one of them. We all have a right to quality healthcare. The US is the only wealthy nation that does not guarantee this right. Universal Medicare for All is what we should be striving for. In addition, how is the UFT going to argue against privatizing public education when they endorse privatizing retiree healthcare? 

Get more details about the Medicare Advantage Plus Plan, James. The Municipal Labor Committee (MLC) and the city’s Office of Labor Relations have created an FAQ about the newly approved NYC Medicare Advantage Plus Plan, which will take effect on Jan. 1. A special phone line has also been set up to ensure you get answers to any questions you may have. We are sharing this information with you as part of our pledge to continue updating UFT retirees on the new plan, which will maintain your current health benefits and quality of care. Call the special phone line to get answers to your questions about the new plan: 833-325-1190

Medicare Advantage Plus Plan Resources Official FAQ Compare Coverage UFT FAQ

Your Health Care Checklist Same doctors Same hospitals Same prescriptions benefits Annual out-of-pocket expenses now capped at $1,470 No premiums Nationwide services Access to additional doctors and health care providers

Steps in the Process Negotiations conducted with several health care providers. An independent mediator makes his recommendation for the health care provider with the strongest benefits for retired municipal employees. MLC votes on the agreement. MLC and the city’s Office of Labor Relations issue an FAQ and provide a special phone number for members to call In-person and virtual information sessions for retired municipal employees will be scheduled this fall. Retirees covered by any NYC Medicare health plan will be automatically enrolled in the new plan for Jan. 1, 2022. Retirees who choose to opt out of the new plan and stay with their current plan will pay the premium difference.