TABLE TALK

Negotiators met on March 23 and 24. Discussion continued on health insurance. The negotiators approached the matter in a workmanlike manner. The days were characterized by debate, table pounding and honest creative thought by both side’s advocates on behalf of their respective positions. The fight is for the time being clearly at the table. Neither side abandoned the task.

We had very focused / detailed dialogue on the three tier Rx plan, benefit enhancements in several areas and spent significant time discussing the State's vision of an Empire Plan Hospital Network. In broadest terms, the “network” once established would create a different level of benefits if enrollees use a non-network hospital.  That’s the bad news.  The relative “good” news is that 100% of acute care hospitals in New York State, and 92% of all acute care hospitals nationwide, are part of the network.

The discussions of the network intensified after the State told us that CSEA and UUP have agreed to implement a Hospital Network. We are working to confirm these agreements and to determine the details of the programs they agreed to. Much more information on this issue will follow in future AIMs.

Your team has been prepared for this for over a year. We are up to the fight and excited about the challenge. Our next session is scheduled for Wednesday March 31.

ISSUE SPOTLIGHT – Rx Changes
To read in depth information on the Rx - 3 Tier Plan on our bargaining table check out the PEF created Q&A at http://www.pef.org/pst2003/rxfaqs.htm