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Coalition Bargaining Still Working In Lexington PDF Print E-mail
NOVEMBER 2000 - Protects Insurance Benefits For Retirees/Survivors - Lexington is one of the communities that decided, some years ago, to accept what was then a new group insurance law known as coalition bargaining (Section 19, Chapter 32B). Back in 1993, when Section 19 was enacted, our Association was one of the principal sponsors of the law.

According to Legislative Chairman Bill Hill, "We consider coalition bargaining a landmark piece of legislation. It seats a representative from our Association at the negotiation table, along- side union reps, to bargain with town officials over the health insurance program.

"Moreover, it requires retirees and survivors to contribute the same as active employees to their premiums and also protects retirees, who chose to live elsewhere, with equal coverage." Unfortunately many communities without coalition bargaining would not offer the same, particularly for survivors and out-of-state retirees.

Lexington Goes It Alone Once Again

Since Lexington's acceptance, John Walsh, a retired firefighter, has been serving as the Association's representative on the bargaining committee. Bob Cunha, a firefighter and retirement board elected member, and Vito Lamura, a teacher, currently co-chair the committee.

"Coalition bargaining has worked well for Lexington," comments Cunha. "Sometimes I question why other communities have not joined us, but perhaps it may be officials are reluctant to accept a law that cannot be changed without our (employee/retiree) OK."

When we last reported on the Lexington experience two years ago (November 1998 Voice), the town and the bargaining committee had decided to join the MIIA (Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Assoc.) program, considered the state's largest health insurance pool. Last year Lexington went out to bid for its health insurance program, receiving contract proposals not only from MIIA but other insurers.

As it turned out, Lexington will now be going it alone once again, with Blue Cross/Blue Shield being awarded the contract. Under the agreement, BC/BS will be offering to Lexington's retirees, survivors and employees Blue Choice and HMO Blue.

For retirees, who are eligible for Medicare, the program offers Medex III, with the town paying 90% of the premium and Managed Blue Senior at a 80% contribution rate. As mentioned earlier, retirees and survivors contribute the same as employees - in this case, 20% toward Blue Choice and 10% toward HMO Blue.

While enrollment in Harvard Pilgrim has been frozen, for some years, retirees and survivors, currently enrolled in that plan (including its senior plans), can continue their coverage with the insurer. Additionally, all retirees and survivors can obtain dental insurance coverage (Delta Dental) with the town picking up half of the premium.

For retirees, living elsewhere (out-of-network), an issue arose over their coverage, namely that they would have the same benefits for wellness programs as the in-network retirees and employees. Not only did the bargaining committee prevail, securing the same coverage, but a special toll-free telephone line for the out-of-network retirees was established to assist them with any insurance problem.

"When we fought for coalition bargaining some 8 years ago, we envisioned the type of effort on behalf of retirees and survivors we see in Lexington," states Hill. "Keep up the good work."

 
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