Pfeiffer Responds to the Ryan Republican Budget

"Instead of Strengthening Medicare, the House Budget Would End Medicare as We Know It"

White House Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer  has issued the following comment on the budget plan submitted by Congressman Paul Ryan, Chairman of the House Budget Committee.

 The House budget once again fails the test of balance, fairness, and shared responsibility. It would shower the wealthiest few Americans with an average tax cut of at least $150,000, while preserving taxpayer giveaways to oil companies and breaks for Wall Street hedge fund managers. What’s worse is that all of these tax breaks would be paid for by undermining Medicare and the very things we need to grow our economy and the middle class – things like education, basic research, and new sources of energy. And instead of strengthening Medicare, the House budget would end Medicare as we know it, turning the guarantee of retirement security into a voucher that will shift higher and higher costs to seniors over time. 

The House economic plan draws on the same wrong-headed theory that led to the worst recession of our lifetimes and contributed to the erosion of middle-class security over the last decade. And the President believes we cannot return to a failed theory that didn’t lead to the growth of jobs, incomes, or the economy. That’s why he put forward a balanced approach that reduces the deficit by over $4 trillion.  It’s an approach that asks the wealthiest to pay their fair share, makes tough cuts to programs we can’t afford, and strengthens Medicare with reforms that would reduce overpayments to drug companies, improve the quality of care, and protect Medicare’s commitment to America’s seniors.  

President Obama Presents American Jobs Act (Enhanced Version)

Senator Urges Cuomo to Sign Bill to Restore OTB Retiree Health Benefits

Addabbo Releases Official Letter of Request to 'From The G-Man'

On June 27, 2011, New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr., (D-Queens), a member of the Senate’s Racing, Gaming & Wagering Committee, commended the Senate for bringing to the floor a vote on requiring the State of New York to maintain the health insurance and supplemental benefits received by retirees of the New York City Off-Track Betting Corporation (NYC OTB) (S.4489/Rules).

The bill notes that after the closure of NYC OTB on December 7, 2010, employees who had retired from the corporation were assured they and their dependents would receive health insurance and supplemental benefit coverage under their collective bargaining representative’s welfare benefit program. However, those benefits ceased upon closure of NYC OTB.

According to Addabbo, the State breaking a promise to supply benefits to retired NYC OTB employees and their dependents was one of the many reasons why he voted in favor of this bill and helped sought its passage.

“With the Senate’s commitment to provide health insurance and supplemental benefits to retirees of NYC OTB, the State is reaffirming its commitment to provide due benefits and recognition to former workers and families of NYC OTB. No one should have to endure financial hardships and choose which benefits to leave behind,” said Addabbo.

Former employees received supplemental benefits such as prescription drugs, optical and dental insurance through welfare fund benefit plans funded through employer contributions. Upon benefits ceasing to exist with the closure of NYC OTB, retirees were left to determine which prior benefits they could attain without employer contributions.

Addabbo notes it was illogical how benefits ceased to exist with plans in place to continue funding of benefits for retirees. “This bill is long overdue, and I am proud to stand with my Senate colleagues to provide for all present and future retirees the entitlement of benefits from any city-authorized health insurance or welfare benefit program,” he explained.

Under the proposed measure, the state will reimburse the city or its designee for the actual cost of benefits. The bill currently awaits signature into law by the governor after passing both houses of the legislature on June 22, 2011.

Senator Addabbo recently sent a letter of request to Govenor Andrew Cuomo urging him to sign the bill and restore the health benefits of thousands of New York City OTB retirees. The letter is being published on From The G-Man as a matter or public interest.

August 10, 2011

Honorable Andrew Cuomo

Executive Chamber

State Capitol

Albany, NY 12224

RE: OTB Health Insurance for Retirees

A5785/Abbate – S4489/Rules

Dear Governor Cuomo:

I hope this letter finds you well. I would like to take this opportunity to respectfully request your support in approving the measure that would provide health insurance benefits to retirees of the New York City Off-Track Betting Corporation.

Before closure of the New York City Off-Track Betting Corporation on December 7, 2010, retirees were receiving health insurance through the New York City Health Insurance Plan. Additionally, employees had received supplemental benefits such as prescription drug, optical and dental insurance through welfare fund benefit plans funded by employer contributions. Since all these benefits ceased upon closure, these unfortunate retirees and laid-off workers are facing insurmountable financial obligations to continue COBRA and provide for themselves and their families.

The Legislature worked to create a bill that would address the welfare of former public employees and retirees of the New York City Off-Track Betting Corporation. With the measure passing both houses, I believe the bill should be delivered to your desk and ask for your signature on said bill. These former employees are under severe emotional duress, and their health is being compromised without their prior health benefits. I would be prepared to make additional appropriate budget cuts in spending or seek to further eliminate wasteful allocations in order to absorb the cost of A5725/S4489.

Once again, I respectfully urge your support for this measure and to assist the individuals who, having served prior with the New York City Off-Track Betting Corporation, contributed vast amounts of generated tax dollars to New York State.

If I can be of any assistance to you with regards to this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr.

New York State Senator

15^th District

JPA/fs

OTB Retirees Get Support From Addabbo

Bill Restores Health Insurance Benefits, Passes Both Houses of Legislature and Awaits Gov's Signature

New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr., (D-Queens), a member of the Senate’s Racing, Gaming & Wagering Committee, commended the Senate for bringing to the floor a vote on requiring the State of New York to maintain the health insurance and supplemental benefits received by retirees of the New York City Off-Track Betting Corporation (NYC OTB) (S.4489/Rules).

The bill notes that after the closure of NYC OTB on December 7, 2010, employees who had retired from the corporation were assured they and their dependents would receive health insurance and supplemental benefit coverage under their collective bargaining representative’s welfare benefit program. However, those benefits ceased upon closure of NYC OTB.

According to Addabbo, the State breaking a promise to supply benefits to retired NYC OTB employees and their dependents was one of the many reasons why he voted in favor of this bill and helped sought its passage.

“With the Senate’s commitment to provide health insurance and supplemental benefits to retirees of NYC OTB, the State is reaffirming its commitment to provide due benefits and recognition to former workers and families of NYC OTB. No one should have to endure financial hardships and choose which benefits to leave behind,” said Addabbo.

Former employees received supplemental benefits such as prescription drugs, optical and dental insurance through welfare fund benefit plans funded through employer contributions. Upon benefits ceasing to exist with the closure of NYC OTB, retirees were left to determine which prior benefits they could attain without employer contributions.

Addabbo notes it was illogical how benefits ceased to exist with plans in place to continue funding of benefits for retirees. “This bill is long overdue, and I am proud to stand with my Senate colleagues to provide for all present and future retirees the entitlement of benefits from any city-authorized health insurance or welfare benefit program,” he explained.

Under the proposed measure, the State will reimburse the city or its designee for the actual cost of benefits. The bill currently awaits signage into law by the governor after passing both houses of the Legislature on June 22, 2011.

Image courtesy of nysenate.gov

Cuomo Bill Seeks to Establish New Health Benefit Exchange

Proposed Legislation Would Set Up Health Insurance Exchange to Comply with Federal Health Care Law

Governor Andrew Cuomo has submitted a Governor's program bill that would establish a new Health Benefit Exchange in order to comply with the Affordable Care Act passed by Congress and signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2010.

New York will operate its own exchange, rather than have the federal government operate one for the state, given the complexity and diversity of the insurance market in New York.

"This legislation would fulfill New York's commitment to the federal government to set up a health benefit exchange that will enhance access to affordable quality health care for all New Yorkers," Governor Cuomo said.

"This is a dynamic and flexible proposal that will protect consumers and help bring down the cost of health care for families, businesses, and taxpayers."

The purpose of this legislation is to establish a single Exchange in New York – a centralized, customer-service oriented marketplace where individuals and small groups will be able to purchase qualified health plans, receive eligibility and subsidy determinations, and be enrolled in a range of coverage options, including public health coverage programs.

The Exchange will be established as a public benefit corporation managed by a Board of Directors. Four of the seven members of the Board will have expertise in relevant areas, including individual health care coverage, small employer health care coverage, health benefits administration, health care finance, public or private health care delivery systems, and purchasing health plan coverage.

The Superintendent of Insurance (or after October 3, 2011, the Superintendent of the Department of Financial Services), the Commissioner of Health, and the State Medicaid Director will serve as ex officio members of the board.

The Board will consult with an Advisory Committee, comprised of 18 representatives of stakeholders and sectors that will be impacted by the operation of the Exchange, including health care consumers, small businesses, the medical community, and insurers.

The Committee's advice to the Board will reflect findings about regional variations regarding the availability of health insurance coverage and other issues deemed necessary by the Committee and the Board.

The Exchange will make available health plans, including certain qualified dental plans, to individuals and employers beginning on or before January 1, 2014.

Under this legislation, the Exchange will establish the minimum requirements an insurer shall meet to be considered for participation in the Exchange and will implement procedures for the certification, recertification, and decertification of health plans as qualified health plans.

The Exchange will also assign ratings to qualified health plans offered through the Exchange on the basis of relative quality and price, in accordance with the ACA.

The bill also provides critical protections meant to assist individuals in using the Exchange. For example, the bill provides that the Exchange will operate a toll-free telephone line to assist consumers and an Internet website containing standardized comparative information on qualified health plans.

The website will also feature a calculator allowing individuals to determine the actual cost of coverage. The bill also requires the Exchange to establish a program to award grants to entities to serve as "navigators" to help educate consumers and facilitate enrollment.

In addition, the Exchange will include a Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP), which will assist small employers in facilitating the enrollment of their employees in qualified health plans offered in the group market.

While the ACA requires each Exchange to be "self-sustaining" by January 1, 2015, federal funds will support the planning, implementation, and operation of the Exchange through December 2014. New York has already been selected to receive funding under an Early Innovator Grant ($27 million) and an Exchange Planning Grant ($1 million).

In June, the New York State Department of Health expects to apply for a Level 1 Establishment Grant, which makes a year's worth of funding available to states that have made some progress under their Exchange Planning Grant.

With the enactment of this legislation, assuming other applicable criteria are met, New York will qualify to apply for additional federal funding to support Exchange planning and establishment through December 31, 2014.

Image courtesy of http://www.pdclipart.org

Governor Cuomo, Council 82 Reach Historic Workforce Agreement

Wage Freezes and More Equitable Employee Health-Care Contributions Included in Contract

Governor Andrew Cuomo and Council 82, the labor union representing New York State's law enforcement officers, have reached an historic contract agreement.

The agreement includes wage freezes through the 2013-2014 fiscal year, elimination of so-called 'step increases,' more equitable employee health care contributions, and major reforms to health care benefits and overtime.

"I applaud Council 82 and its leadership for understanding the problems of the state, and realizing that through shared sacrifice, we can get New York on the road to recovery," Governor Cuomo said.

"This is a model the other unions negotiating with the state can follow. If similar contract terms were adopted by New York's other public employee unions, the state could achieve the $450 million in savings needed to avoid the 9,800 layoffs projected in the enacted budget. I also want to thank and commend our lead negotiators Todd Snyder and Joe Bress for their tireless work on behalf of the people of the state."

"This is a responsible agreement that is in the best interest of our members, the State of New York, and the taxpayers. It brings a long overdue contract to completion. It demonstrates the Cuomo Administration's commitment to working with its labor partners and its commitment to these employees and their important work.," said Jim Lyman, Executive Director of Council 82.

"Council 82 looks forward to continuing the good working relationship that we've developed with the Governor and his staff and supporting him in his efforts to restore our state government and making it work for the people again."

Highlights of the agreement include wage modifications: zero wage increases for fiscal years 2011/2012, 2012/2013, and 2013/2014, and eliminating performance advances or "step increases".

Health Insurance Premium Contribution

In order to align state employee health care costs with other states and the private sector, the agreement will increase the employee contribution for health care premiums. Individual members' share of health care expenses will increase from 10 percent to 20 percent.

Employees electing family coverage will pay 35 percent of the share of dependent health care costs, an increase from 25 percent. If adopted system-wide, these changes would save $178 million in the first year with increasing recurring savings in future years.

Health Care Benefit Redesign

The agreement also includes a redesign of the state employee health care benefits. If the reforms agreed to by Council 82 are adopted system-wide, these changes would save $196 million in the first year, including hospital coverage savings of $51 million, medical coverage savings of $58 million annually, and prescription drugs coverage savings of $87 million annually, with increasing savings in future years.

Examples include: Employees will be encouraged to use outpatient hospital services. A co-pay will be charged for in-patient services; Co-pays will be introduced for in-network emergency room visits, radiological and lab work and other hospital service; Medical visit co-pays will be increased but there will be no deductible for in-network services; Employees will be encouraged to use less expensive mail order prescription drug refills.

Reform Sick Leave Credit

Reduce amount of unused sick leave which can be credited toward reducing health care insurance premiums in retirement. System-wide savings would amount to approximately $45 million annually

Overtime Reform

Overtime compensation would be reformed to exclude sick days from accrual of time worked for purposes of qualifying for overtime compensation. System-wide this reform would save $11 million in the first year.

Retroactive Wage Settlement Identical to CSEA and PEF

Council 82 has been without a contract since 2005 and is currently in arbitration with the State. The agreement settles the arbitration by providing Council 82 members with a wage agreement identical to that received by CSEA and PEF for the same prior period. The one-time cost to the state of $48 million was reserved for this purpose in the enacted budget.

The agreement covers the Agency Law Enforcement Services unit of Council 82. The unit includes SUNY police, Park Police, and Department of Environmental Conservation Officers and Forest Rangers and covers 1160 employees.

Negotiations for the state were led by a special team appointed by the Governor comprising Todd R. Snyder, Senior Managing Director of Rothschild Inc. and Co-Head of Rothschild's Restructuring and Reorganization group; and Joseph M. Bress, former head of the Governor's Office of Employee Relations and former Vice President of Labor Relations at Amtrak, under the direction of Howard Glaser, Director of State Operations.

Image source: lenny4albany.com
Image credit: lenny4albany.com