On 12/15/22, Harry Nespoli, Chair of the Municipal Labor Committee issued a memo on Arbitrator Martin Scheinman decision regarding ongoing health matters. According to the memo “ in light of the delay in implementing the Medicare Advantage Plan and the hastening draw down of the Stabilization Fund, the City had applied to Scheinman to enforce the 2018 Health Agreement”. The report indicated that Scheinman found the Stabilization Fund had effectively run out of money and that the City and MLC should proceed to negotiate appropriate terms for an MA plan with Aetna within the next 25 days. Assuming terms are agreed upon, he directs that the MLC put that agreement to a vote. Should the MLC not approve the Aetna program, the matter would revert to him for consideration of how benefits provided for by the Stabilization Fund – including the provision the GHI-CBP premium-free – are to be paid for, including the imposition of premiums on actives and pre-65 retirees. The MLC is working to vet a possible agreement with Aetna informed by past experience with the Alliance is underway and we will continue to press to protect our members and retirees as we navigate the needed changes. Click here to review the memo by Chair Nespoli on Scheinman's decision. Click here to review the Comparison Report on GHI Senior Care vs Aetna MA PPO ESA.

President Powell has issued a response to the misinformation on health care. There is much misinformation being spread about the proposed amendment on making a change to the Administrative Code. “Making the limited proposed change to the Administrative Code preserves premium – free health benefits for all and restores the ability of the MLC to negotiate plan options. It does not change the statutory obligation for the City to provide premium- free health benefits to actives , pre-65 retirees, Medicare- eligible retirees and their dependents. NO one is selling off future benefits’. Click here to review our President’s response in its entirety.