Posted by Lou on May 17, 2010
I’m sure most of you have seen the article in Sunday’s Providence Journal. Unfortunately, non-vested employees would, once again, not be protected even if the challenge were decided in our favor. I will be sure to forward any further information the executive board receives regarding this.
Also, we received word that the Council has decided not to appeal the health care lawsuit decision that was not in our favor. Based on the current case law, and the legal opinions of several attorneys working on the suit, Council’s resources would be more appropriately directed towards the new lawsuit.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
Posted by Lou on May 6, 2010
From: Marc A. Leonetti, State Controller
Subject: Health Insurance Holiday
Agencies will nto be charged the medical insurance component of health insurance for both pay periods in May and the first pay period in June (pay periods # 23, 24, & 25) for FY10. Further, those employees who pay a co-share amount though payroll deduction on the “percentage of premium” basis will not be charged. The schedule for Wellness Credits will be extended three pay periods for those employees that were due credit in Pay Periods # 23 through 25.
The charges posted for this insurance coverage are comprised of three components: medical coverage, dental coverage and vision coverage. This “holiday” is for the medical component only.
Posted by Lou on February 3, 2010
There is so much information to get to the membership, let’s dive right in!
- Co-share credits
Don’t forget to take your online health assessment!Complete the online health assessment at www.myuhc.com by February 5, 2010 and earn that $75 co-share credit. Instructions for accessing the health assessment are available at www.wellness.ri.gov
- Lawsuit updates
Executive Director of Council 94, Ken DeLorenzo, followed up on his promise to get us information about the status of legal challenges Council 94. The retirees health care lawsuit has been filed, and it has been heard in Federal Court by Judge Smith. His ruling was due last fall, however, he is currently gathering additional information. This gathering is interpreted as a good sign by the Council.
The pension benefit lawsuit has NOT been filed yet. Six unions are working together to file a collective lawsuit, and the logistics of that arrangement are being worked out right now. Lynette Larbinger was hired to be the lead attorney for this. There is no concrete schedule right now, but the lawsuit will probably not be filed until March at the earliest. The statute of limitations to file a legal challenge to these actions is three years.
- Pension COLA changes
As you may have heard, the governor’s budget proposal included removing COLA from retirees’ pensions who were not eligible to retire on September 30, 2009. The budget is in the preliminary stages of debate, and there will likely be hearings to analyze the various proposals of this budget. We will certainly keep you informed as to how this progresses.
In the meantime, it always helps to call your representatives in the state house to voice your concerns about taking further compensation away from state workers. To find your representation, use the Voter Information Center.
- Pension Study Reports
Previously, I have referenced the Indiana Legislature Pension Study Report. Wisconsin performs a similar study every two years, and publishes a report of their findings. The last study was performed in 2008, but all of the reports can be found at the Wisconsin Legislature website. We are forwarding this information to Council 94 in hopes that this information can be helpful in fighting against another cut in benefits.
- Interesting articles
RIFuture.org discusses the detrimental effects eliminating the COLA will have on retirees and the state economy.
Jim Baron takes the governor to task in the Pawtucket Times for the nonsense proposals in the supplemental budget.
Posted by Lou on January 5, 2010
Happy new year, Local 2881 members! Hope you’ve had an enjoyable, refreshing holiday season, and that 2010 will be a healthy and happy year for you!
We have some wellness fairs coming up soon, which are your opportunities to earn those wellness credits. Please read the flyers I’ve linked to below, and be sure to call 1-8777-239-3557 to register. These fairs will NOT be taking walk-ins, so you must register ASAP. Also, if you complete the online health assessment, you can earn more wellness credits.
Health fair flyer
Health Fair Schedule
Health Assessment Instructions
Posted by Lou on September 2, 2009
Don’t forget to submit the Tobacco-Free Affidavit and earn the $100 co-share credit! Please share the following message and attachments to remind your co-workers. Here are the Tobacco-Free Affidavit and the list of tobacco cessation resources, both of which are also available at www.wellness.ri.gov.
Earn $100 co-share credit by submitting the Tobacco-Free Affidavit to UnitedHealthcare by October 9, 2009
* Certifying you are tobacco-free
OR
* Verifying you have completed 5 sessions of a tobacco cessation program.
Verify that UnitedHealthcare has received your Tobacco-Free Affidavit by going to www.wellness.ri.gov, click on “Was My Tobacco-Free Affidavit Received?” and enter your UHC subscriber/member number.
