New Hartford employees’ union pact triples some medical expenses

Jan 08, 2008 @ 07:45 AM

By CHINKI SINHA

Observer-Dispatch

NEW HARTFORD – Board members Tuesday night approved a three-year contract with the New Hartford Employees’ Union that triples the out-of-network medical deductible for employees.

For an individual, it will now cost $300 as opposed to $100. For a family, it will be $600, up from $200.

“We thought it was reasonable,” said New Hartford Employees’ Union President Beverly Wehrle. “Most of our people do not use out-of-network doctors. They know our plan and they agree with it and premiums are low.”

Officials said this is a good way to cut costs.

The school district’s savings through the new measures will be about $280,000, officials said.

Under the new contract terms, co-pays and office visits have also increased. While co-pays have increased by $3 for generic drugs and by $7 for brand-name drugs, office visits will now cost employees $20 compared to $14.

“We are happy about it,” school Superintendent Daniel Gilligan said.

“I support the teachers and the staff,” said Board President George Shaheen II, who voted in favor of the contract.

Shaheen previously voted against the teachers’ contract that the board approved Dec. 19, 2007.

The board also approved a 4.25 percent salary increase for its employees.

Previously, the board approved a 4.75 percent salary increase for teachers.

The previous contract expired June 30, 2007.

In both the deals, the district will pick up 95 percent of the health-care costs for teaching staff and noninstructional staff.

New Hartford Teachers’ Union Vice President Deborah Dowling said increased deductibles are a significant concession on part of the union.

“The district was looking for concessions on our side,” she said. “It is a big concession. To someone with a family plan, it will cost $600. That’s significant.”

Dowling said the union agreed to the terms because it involved a matter of choice even though a lot of staff goes to out-of-network doctors.

The union is talking to several area doctors about joining the district’s network, Dowling said.

About 80 percent of the district’s budget is composed of personnel costs including salaries, according to district officials.