In the face of strong retiree opposition, Manager O’Brien did not fully implement his proposed changes beginning this year.

He stepped back and presented his recommended increases before the city’s insurance advisory committee (IAC).
“We looked forward to a meaningful dialogue between the IAC and O’Brien on how to best address the city’s insurance costs,” comments Association member Ed McGovern, who is the IAC’s retiree representative. “Myself and other committee members had hoped that city officials would seriously consider the adoption of Section 19 – the coalition bargaining law.

“I believe that coalition bargaining offers to all interested parties – retirees, employees and city officials – the most comprehensive approach toward solving Worcester’s current and future healthcare issues. Unfortunately, Manager O’Brien doesn’t share my opinion and rejected the proposal.”
Instead, O’Brien will be fully implementing his proposed changes to the non-Medicare plans on July 1. Retirees, enrolled in these plans, will now be contributing 20% of their insurance premium, as compared to 13% or 14% last July 1.

Also, non-Medicare retirees will be subject to higher co-pays and a three-tier prescription drug program, which means even greater co-pays if the retiree’s prescription falls within the highest tier. “We’re frustrated that we, on the IAC, can’t legally prevent, or at least modify, the increases from being imposed upon our fellow retirees,” continues McGovern.

“Nonetheless, we’ll not stop using the IAC as a sounding board for retiree and employee concerns relating to their health insurance. And, despite O’Brien’s opposition, I and others will continue to push for coalition bargaining in Worcester.”

According to Association Insurance coordinator Cheryl Stillman, “Recent surveys have shown that coalition bargaining is working in the communities that have adopted it. Moreover, it appears that the town officials, in these communities, have not regretted their decision to join with retirees and employees in this endeavor. Hopefully managers like Mike O’Brien, will come around.”