In these times of economic hardship and belt-tightening, Our Beloved Mayor and City Manager are giving away $6,000 every year to employees who opt to have no health benefits coverage with the City, and who may have coverage elsewhere through their spouse’s, partner’s or even their parent’s (if they are younger than 26) health plan.
See item in agenda for this Wednesday:
In a Communication dated September 25, 2012 from Omar T. Small, Assistant to the City Manager, wherein he requests that non-represented employees who opt out of health insurance coverage be provided a $500 payment in lieu of health coverage per month, which equals that provided the Civil Service Employees’ Association members as of January 1, 2012, forwarded with approval of Charles B. Strome, III, City Manager, noted thereon, and appropriate legislation for consideration.
13.1. Ordinance amending Chapter· 52-17, Health Insurance, to provide a reimbursement of $500 in lieu of enrollment in a City sponsored health insurance plan (Non-represented employees).
I rarely see this with any health benefits plan these days – City of NY doesn’t even do this? (I worked for the City of NY as a Labor Relations Director). How much is this going to cost New Ro? Have they benchmarked with other municipalities? Other employers? Who picked $500 per month?
Think
Has it occured to you that maybe this is a cheaper alternative than paying for insurance coverage that an employee doesn’t need but would take anyway? The way I have always looked at this was as a win win for all involved… Family coverage these days is nearing $20,000, so maybe this is acutally fiscally prudent.
OK so….
OK so if an employee has health coverage through their spouse, according to the Mayor, they will get an extra $6000 per year. How is this a cheaper alternative? The suggested rule, by the Mayor makes no exception. Don’t you think it should?