Dan MacDonald sticks it to the STRS Board June 16, 2022: "Wake up STRS, you should be working for your retirees and actives"

Good morning, I am Dan MacDonald, an STRS retiree, over 38 years of service and Executive Director of Local 279-R. I sent an email reminder to all elected Board members regarding 26/27 checks. I hope you asked your district’s treasurer because if your system is doing salary pay the way STRS is, I will encourage all new teachers to your districts. [Before Public Participation, the budget had been voted so I sarcastically added “I’ll have to push new teachers to Willoughby.”] 

The last couple of months I’ve have addressed you regarding a single, never married, 76-year-oldd female without relatives who is in a rehab center personally owing $30,000 plus with STRS health care plan because of denial of coverage. This lady is like a yo-yo with STRS through AETNA. Originally her stay was paid; then not; then paid; then not. After I returned from May’s Board meeting, AETNA was paying; then June 8, a stop letter. That very day, June 8, her doctor told her she could put 100% weight on her leg. She can now transfer from her bed; she can walk 15 feet with a walker; suddenly she is not eligible for coverage. During last month’s Board meeting, I handed a HIPAA release form signed by the retiree allowing info to flow to me regarding assigning an AETNA supervisor or case manager, remember STRS holds the policy and can hold AETNA’s policy to the fire, yet no contact  to our retiree or me. Sounds a bit like our newly elected active Board member’s concern last month. Wake up STRS, you should be working for your retirees & actives.

 

New information, another retiree previously addressed by me to this Board who didn’t have an exit plan, I found out this week she had to pay for her prescriptions out of pocket while in the facility once coverage was denied and they refused to release her. Access to Express Scripts was denied because the facility uses their own pharmacy.  When elderly are sent to rehab centers, they do not know these financial disasters; they are hidden in fine print.  They turn for help. STRS is not there. I suggest that the Health Committee start meeting; there is lots to learn, or maybe it is like the STRS disability process where several years ago during an Educational and Planning meeting, Board members were told they shouldn’t be  challenging STRS staff findings during the Wednesday Disability hearings, Board members are to agree or challenge staff before the hearing.

 

On a last note, the PBI policy, Performance Based Incentive, is being voted today. I hope that all Board members have read the whole document thoroughly. Only FOX News would find it perfect and not to be challenged in any aspect.  

 

Actives and retirees stoically wait for enhancements as we are told that inflation is only temporary by STRS staff and consultants. Last month’s projection of this year’s rate of return was a positive 0.11%, the yearly goal is 7%, I suspect it is now negative, how are you going to help us, STRS/Board, in Budget increases and/or PBI’s?

 

Thank you.