NYC Municipal Retirees’ Fight For Traditional Medicare With Guaranteed Co-Pays Continues At City Hall

Editor’s note: Regarding why there is such a push-pull over Medicare Advantage, both at the local and federal levels: in essence, the federal  government pays much less for Advantage, though the plans are not free, just lower cost, and the for-profit companies behind it were offering to give these plans to the City for free.  However, Medicare Advantage is not an advantage over Traditional Medicare (the one the government pays for, which workers must cover 20% of the cost). With Medicare Advantage, whether a consumer obtains it from the government website or it is provided by their employer, they don’t have to pay the 20% for “Part B,” which covers prescriptions as well.    In the case of the City’s fight to force their retired workers into the Advantage plans, like in the para story, legislation is the only lasting solution that will release retired workers from having to pay co-pays every month, which can be a serious financial burden.  They were promised that they would have health insurance coverage for themselves and their dependents for the rest of their lives – into retirement as well.  But under Mayor Adams, it was decided to take this portion of healthcare away from the workers who sacrificed so much for the City (it includes all retired municipal workers who have health insurance through the City).  But none of it was cemented in writing, it was only oral, which is why the final stage of the case was not won.  Later this week, we will be covering the next step in the fight for retiree healthcare that is free from premiums and free from co-pays.  Co-pays really only matter when people get older and start to suffer from chronic conditions (many of which can be reversed and treated by improved diet, nutrition, and equally important: exercise). These costs quickly add up when one sees many doctors, and most doctors absolutely refuse to take Medicare Advantage.  Why?  Getting them to pay is like pulling teeth.  See below for a video and photos from the event, provided by NYC Retirees: