Retirees, who are non-Medicare can choose among the HMO, POS and PPO plans, while Medicare retirees can enroll in Harvard’s Enhanced (similar to Medex III) or Freedom supplement plans.

According to Paul Lestage, a retired firefighter and elected member on the city’s retirement board, “Even though the (retirement) board is not directly responsible for the insurance plans, retirees usually call us when they have a question, and on this, we’ve been receiving so many calls that we told Harvard to get someone down here to help us out. In my opinion, it will take more than workshops to get retirees into a comfort zone with Harvard Pilgrim.

“It’s only natural to worry about the switch and what it all means, when you’ve only known Blue Cross your entire life. But, with this change, there is some good news. During the negotiations over Harvard Pilgrim, Mayor (Scott) Lang agreed to adopt coalition bargaining.

“With coalition bargaining, retirees and survivors will have a real say on deciding what their insurance plans are and not simply be told what they are after the decision has already been made. We’ll also be able to lock-in our premium contribution rate under the (coalition bargaining) agreement.”

Ed Note: Under the municipal health insurance law (Chapter 32B), the municipality’s obligation to contribute toward the retirees’ insurance premium is irrevocable up to 50%, but any contribution above that percentage is subject to change unilaterally by city/town officials.

In New Bedford, approximately 1,800 retirees and survivors contribute 25% of the insurance premium. Their contribution rate will remain the same with coalition bargaining.

“As we did in all the coalition bargaining communities, our Association searched for a member who would do the work on the PEC (Public Employee Committee) needed to get the best deal possible for their fellow retirees,” comments Association Insurance Coordinator Cheryl Stillman. “There’s no question that Paul Lestage fits that bill.

“Most recently, Paul was at the center of the successful fight to obtain the vets bonus for accidental disability retirees in New Bedford. Paul’s efforts on this issue are only one example of his dedication, over his career, toward improving benefits for the city’s retirees and their spouses, and we’re confident he’ll continue to do just that as our designee on the PEC.”

“I thank the Association for giving me this opportunity,” responds Lestage. “New Bedford retirees can be assured that I will do my utmost, as always, on their behalf.”