John Curry: Affordable health care at STRS? Some people think so!

Are they living in a dream world?

I just went to the mail box and pulled out my bound copy (thanks to Damon) of the September STRS Board meeting. Upon reading the condensed summaries of the public speakers presentation, I was amazed (again) to see that some people still feel STRS offers affordable health care coverage. I will include some of these summaries with the affordable health care part in italics as taken verbatum from the official minutes of the Sept. board meeting:

Ms.Darlene DePouw, of Groveport Madison Local Education Association, addressed the Board. Ms. DePouw said she believes the Board's Strategic Plan for Health Care is a well thought-out blueprint for containing costs, while maintaining access to high quality affordable care. She said she applauds the Board's effort to work with the Health Care Advocates and other Ohio retirement systems to find short-term solutions.

Ms. Maureen Reedy, a teacher in the Upper Arlington School District, addressed the Board. Ms. Reedy said affordable health care at retirement has been the No. 1 concern of active teachers and to continue to work to provide affordable health care and consider rolling-back the enhanced pension benefit at 35 years of service provided by S.B. 190.

Mr. Len Codispoti, representing OEA-R, addressed the Board. Mr. Codispoti commended the Board for its efforts to provide affordable health care and suggested: exploration of procurement options that provide the greatest hospital and physician discounts; use of generic drugs and evidence-based formulas that improve treatment, yet reduce costs; and encouraging active and retired educators to take greater involvement in maintaining their personal health and, at the same time, become wise consumers of health care services.

Mr. Tim Meyers, a teacher at Elida Middle School, addressed the Board. Mr. Meyers supports long-term continuation of affordable health care for current and future educator retirees. He said he is concerned about potential changes to S.B. 190 and a recent article regarding implementation of a defined contribution for future retirees to cover health care costs. (Mr. Myers is on the OEA Executive Council- these minutes didn't reflect this information-John)

Mr. David Bowen, representing himself and OEA-R, addressed the Board. Mr. Bowen said he appreciates the time and attention the Board has given the problem of health care funding and said he trusts it will continue to work toward a plan that will sustain adequate long-term affordable health care for current and future retirees. He also commended the board for its cooperation with the Health Care Advocates.

Ms. Phoebe Glenn, president of the Plain Local Education Association/New Albany School District, addressed the Board. Ms. voiced her support for the 35-year benefit and the security of affordable health care for current and future educator retirees.

In summation, 5 out of 6 speakers listed above have an OEA connection and apparently are under the false impression that STRS retirees currently HAVE affordable health care. Maybe they think $676 per month for a 30 year retiree and his/her spouse is affordable. Are they really aware of that FACT or are they living in a dream world?

John, a Proud CORE member
10/28/05