March 30, 2009
Do not ignore Open Enrollment with the Health Service System (HSS) this year. With the costs rising, you may decide that it is time to change health plans. BUT do not make any decisions—do not fill out any forms —until AFT 2121 has negotiated better rates for employees. The rates that are stated in the Open Enrollment packet are rates that the Health Service System has imposed. We at AFT 2121 are not satisfied and will work with the District to arrive at a more satisfactory distribution of the rate increases. Then you will be able to make an informed decision about which plan will suit your family best.
Kaiser rates continue to rise more slowly than Blue Shield, and, of course, City Plan. Therefore, after negotiations, Kaiser premiums will be lower than for Blue Shield, possibly significantly lower.
HSS could not come to terms with PacifiCare, so that plan will be gone effective July 1. It is imperative that PacifiCare members pick another health plan during Open Enrollment. Otherwise they will be placed in City Plan, which has very high premiums. Blue Shield has a network of doctors similar to PacifiCare; you may find switching to Blue Shield to be relatively seamless. You are also free to choose Kaiser.
Stand by for further notice. We will tell you as soon as agreement has been reached and in time for you to submit the forms to HSS by the deadline, April 30. In the meantime, DO NOT MAKE ANY DECISIONS BASED ON THE RATE INFORMATION IN THE PACKET.