The enacting legislation, filed by Rep. Ed Connolly (D-Everett), was passed by the Legislature and signed into law on December 24 by the acting Governor as Chapter 423 of the Acts of 2002. The law also includes survivors.

Currently, retirees contribute 10% of the cost of the HMO Blue plan and 13% of the Harvard Pilgrim plan. They pay 2% toward the Blue Cross indemnity plan.

The largest number of Everett retirees are insured under the Blue Cross Medex plan which is a Medicare supplement. They pay approximately 2% of the total cost.

Everett Personnel Director Tony Sirino said that Mayor David Ragucci pushed hard for this legislation. "The mayor drafted the enabling home rule petition and shepherded its passage through the Council and Aldermen," he said.

"The rates for employees are frozen at this time. But if the rates are ever changed by agreement of the unions, the mayor wanted to make certain that retirees and survivors are protected. Anyone retired prior to April 15, 2003 will keep the current rates."

"Everett's retirees are very fortunate," said Association Pres. Ralph White. "Their share of Medex coverage is only $5.40 monthly, one of the best deals in the state. I know that Everett's Insurance Advisory Committee, of which retirees Bernie Evans and Ann LoConte are members, worked very hard on the passage of this law and should be commended."

Health insurance costs, which have been increasing at the rate of 10% a year are considered to be budget-busters in our cities and towns, and is a top political issue on all levels of government. Retirees and employees are vulnerable to large increases in their premiums, a major concern of our Association.