The statement below does not look very hopeful but retirees are still fighting back against Medicare privatization.
Joint Statement by Speaker Adams & Civil Service and Labor Committee Chair De La Rosa on Council Holding a Hearing to Consider Legislation Amending Administrative Code to Preserve Health Care Choice for Retirees
January 3, 2023
“Given that the Administration and the Municipal Labor Committee are moving forward to implement Medicare Advantage in alignment with the courts and arbitrator’s decisions, the Council is formally considering legislation to preserve retirees’ choice of health insurance rather than have them automatically enrolled in Medicare Advantage as the sole plan on January 29. We are deeply concerned with the challenges in our health care program for municipal retirees and employees. While many of the underlying problems that created this situation require comprehensive solutions from all levels of government, the City must confront this dilemma to the maximum extent possible within its own authority. This must include support for low-income retirees to truly access choice in their healthcare coverage, reigning in the runaway costs of care that created this crisis, and guaranteeing an insurance program that benefits all of our dedicated public servants.
“The Council will consider the proposed legislation to preserve healthcare coverage choice for retirees at a Civil Service and Labor Committee hearing next week that is open to the public and all stakeholders. We are working to examine the major outstanding questions, the details of the Medicare Advantage plan that is moving forward regardless of any potential Council action, and how the City fulfills its health care commitments to all employees and retirees.”
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I’m fed up and angry. I go to the demonstrations in the blazing heat, and freezing cold carrying signs. I send money to the Organization of NYC Municipal Workers… We paid for Medicare benefits and our union lies and stabs us in the back. My husband is sick and after 35 - 36 years of service this is how they screw us! I’m going to the hearing next week and I pray they don’t change 12-126. Mulgrew can burn in Hell.
ReplyDeleteHere's what I think: The City Council is only going to bring this to a vote so they can vote it down. Most Council members do not support the change in healthchare. This will force Adams to try and push the retirees into a Medicare Advantage plan on his own. The Council will look like heroes and Adams will be the villain. Mulgrew will also have the heat off of him because his fight against the City Council will be over. If this does not pass in City Council the only person to blame will be Adams from now on.
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