PEF protecting retirees benefits

In late December, U.S. Rep. Timothy Bishop (D-NY) and PEF President Roger Benson told a standing-room-only crowd of 75 members of PEF Retirees Long Island Chapter in Hauppauge how the new federal Medicare Prescription Drug Law, which PEF and Bishop opposed, may affect them. 

“It’s a bad law and a bad deal,” Bishop said. “Instead of really helping Medicare recipients … (President George W. Bush and others who supported the legislation ) helped insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies. Corporate welfare’ is the phrase that comes to mind.”

The congressman described a provision in the new law that privatizes delivery of the new drug benefit, requiring it be provided by insurance companies and HMOs. 

“This is generally regarded as the most costly, least effective way to go,” Bishop said. 
Jane Bryant Quinn, a columnist for Newsweek magazine, made the same point in her December column: “Contrary to myth, private insurers add to the cost of Medicare.”

Quinn said the new law steers seniors into private plans, which “just hastens the day Medicare goes broke.”

Bishop said the new law also prohibits efforts to negotiate cost savings for drugs. 
Benson said the changes in Medicare may encourage the state and other employers to cut or eliminate their health benefits for retirees.

“Even before these changes to Medicare, the governor tried to cut your post-retirement health benefits last year,” Benson said. “That was one of his vetoes we (successfully) fought to override. And, if we have to do it again this year, we will. You can count on PEF to oppose attempts to reduce post-retirement health benefits in the Legislature, as well as at the bargaining table."

Communicator Homepage March 04

Inside This Issue
Features
PEF tells lawmakers to keep
Court rules grievance denial
Battle for Middletown Psych Center
PEF rejects state’s contract offer
Take the contract pledge
Saving Camp McGregor
Shadow agencies undercutting trust
Parole rule changes spark concerns

Departments
President's Message
Member's Mailbag
PS&T Contract Update
Nurses' Station
Member Mobilization
Health Notes
Retirees In Action
Back Cover Ad
PEF Membership Benefits &Travel

Union Matters
PEF victory allows Downstate nurses
State lagging to help its 9/11 ‘heroes’
Struggle to save members at OCFS
WTC recovery worker still sick, hurting
PEF political volunteers get out the vote
Nurses set Lobby Day for May 4
Mobilizer conference, workshops
Vacant PEF Board seat filled
Attention Veterans

Save these dates:
April 21-25
Somos El Futuro!
The annual weekend conference in Albany of the Caucus of NYS Hispanic and Puerto Rican Legislators
For more information, to volunteer, or make reservations for the reception, call Helen Brooks at the PEF Legislative Office, 1-800-724-4997.

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