Each year the Administrators of the County Medical plan meet with the union and give an update on health of the plan.  They also give us information on what to expect in the coming year.  Based on this year's review, this is what we expect:

Almost all members of Local 755 will be going into year 3 of Chapter 78.  This will result in a significant increase in your contribution, especially in the higher salary ranges.

For example, in Family coverage, the percentages in the following ranges are:                                                                     

In the lower ranges, the increase will only be 1.25%.  In the $75,000 range, the increase will be 5.75%.   In the $90, 0000 range, the increase will be 7% and over $110,000 there will be an 8.5% increase.  This is in addition to the increases in the actual cost of the plan.  Similar jumps will also occur in 2016.

Additionally, the plan itself is experiencing increases in both the Claims and Prescription categories.
The primary increase in claims increase is due to a small percentage of employees who are experiencing a major medical event in their lives.  Overall, the cost of claims has decreased and the members are using network providers.  The Prescription drug costs are rising especially in the ‘specialty drug’ category.  These are newer (and more expensive) drugs that are being prescribed as an alternative to more expensive and invasive procedures.  The combines increase in medical cost is expected to be over 13% in 2015.

Looking at the menu to your left, click on “Medical Contributions For Employee”.  The current rates are at the bottom of the page and you can calculate your actual contribution for 2015.

What else can be expected for 2015?

• The County will be looking offer, on a voluntary basis, a new plan that will cost less.  It will most likely have higher co-pays and/or deductibles.
• We will be discussing “Well Care”.  The Union will be working with the administrating to offer Gym discounts and to educate the member on the well care benefits they currently have.
• We will be adding an APP for finding the lowest costing drugs in your area.

To look at the plan breakdown monthly and Administrative costs, click on the 2015 report.