Cairo Association of Teachers - Newsletter

CAT Tracks for May 2, 2007 BCBS RENEWAL PROPOSAL

Pick four...well, one of four!

The CSD #1 Insurance Committee met yesterday with Kenny Johnson and Lee Champion to explore renewal options for the District's group health insurance plan. Below is the summary that was presented to the members for consideration. A vote will be forthcoming, so familiarize yourself with the proposals and decide which you favor. If you have any questions, direct them to Ruth Bailey, Doris Case, or Marsha Kern.

Your preference will most likely be influenced by your current health and your optimism for the future. As you know, health insurance is something that you (or someone) pay(s) big bucks for and you hope to never use. Fortunately, the District is currently paying the full single premium. The "family plan" is outrageous...but probably in line with what other insurance companies are charging.

If you are currently healthy, do not take medicine, and KNOW that you will remain so, the "no brainer" is probably the final column...which the District would continue to pay "in full" under the provisions of the Contract. However, if you are not in perfect health AND take medicines, the final column might end up costing you some BIG bucks...in the form of additional out-of-pocket expenses. (For instance, in my personal situation, I would be better off opting for the second column...continuing the same plan at a relatively small premium out of my paycheck...but keeping the lower cost prescription card and the lower deductible.)

Incidentally, if you don't like to "do the math"...the monthly premium to continue with our current plan would be $32.31 per month - $16.15 per check...beginning with this month. That amount would drop to $24.81 per month - $12.40 per check...next school year when the BOE increases its contribution by $7.50 a month per contractual agreement. (These figures are for the "employee only" coverage.)

But, hey, the decision is yours...well, OURS. Majority rules!

So...study the chart, talk it over with your colleagues, ask questions of the insurance committee members, and DECIDE.

To your good health...