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| Union struggles with health costs |
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| Written by Jennifer Wadsworth | |
| Friday, 09 May 2008 | |
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Nonteaching school employees in the Tracy Unified School District with more than one kid in the family will have to foot a pricier health insurance bill should a local union vote for the change later this month. The same vote would give individuals or employees with one dependent — who comprise about half the union — a sharp discount of several hundred dollars. Some would pay nothing at all out of pocket. Workers unable to afford covering their family could opt for public health care through Health Families of San Joaquin County, the report states. The union is grappling with its own changing demographics and rising health costs. Though all employees are required to pay for health insurance, no one will be forced to insure their families, according to the union. This could be a good option for an employee with a working spouse, noted Denise Cheeseman, president of California School Employees Association Tracy Chapter 98. “They could just sign up as a single and let their spouse cover the family,” she said. The plan in place now demands a flat rate from both individuals and families. Singles share the cost for families in the one-size-fits-all policy. The most individuals would pay under the new plan would be $15.59 per month, compared to the $490 they pay now, according to a union report. Families could on average wind up paying more than $700 monthly. “There are some heavy emotions on both sides,” Cheeseman said. “The board isn’t going to take sides. We want what’s in the majority’s best interest.” Thursday night’s chapter meeting inspired a heated exchange between families with more than one dependent and everyone else. “But health costs are going up regardless,” said Gary Krebbs, the chapter’s vice president. “So we just did this to give people another option to think about.” One student service employee said at Thursday night’s meeting that she would have to pay $200 more per month to cover her family under the proposed plan. Cheeseman, who has five kids of her own, said that she empathizes with the families in the union but wants what’s best for the majority. It used to be that families made up most of the membership, she said. But today, those numbers have shifted: About half of the 590 members are single or have just one dependent, and the number is increasing “So what we had in place doesn’t make as much sense anymore,” Cheeseman said, adding that she wants to stay neutral. “We’re a very membership-driven chapter. The board doesn’t want to persuade anyone, just to present what the options are.” Seven years ago, everyone paid just $7 out of pocket a month, Krebbs said. “So it’s going up. You just have to look at how much it has,” he said. Even if the board votes to implement the new policy, it would take several months to switch, he added. The union is not in a rush, Cheeseman agreed. “This option we’re presenting came from a year of investigating the current system and shopping around for some alternatives,” she said. The most a family would pay could run close to $1,000 a month. The most for an employee with one dependent would be close to $500. •We want to hear what you have to say. Comment on this story at www.tracypress.com, or to reach Tracy Press reporter Jennifer Wadsworth, call 830-4225 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it At a glance WHAT: California School Employees Association, Tracy Chapter 98 meeting WHEN: 1:30 p.m. May 22 WHERE: Cafeteria, West High School, 1775 W. Lowell Ave. INFO: Denise Cheeseman, 830-3216; or Gary Krebbs, 221-2104
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..., Lowly rated comment [Show]
 written by Denise Cheeseman , May 10, 2008
Dear NAMELESS single TUSD mom: I am afraid I am a bit confused by your first paragraph. Are you single as your name states or married as your statement implies? In a case where both employees work for the district, then on the tiered plan one of the employees could claim only themselves and could do so for free as outlined in the notice you were provided, that is IF you are a classified district employee. The other employee/spouse would claim the family. You would not both need to claim the family and have double payment. If you can get health coverage cheaper as you state, then you may want to consider the three tiered plan. You can sign up just yourself for a free plan and purchase it for your family cheaper elsewhere. That is just one option to consider.
Every employee is NOT required to purchase health coverage. Full time employees are. The chapter negotiations team works diligently for the good of the membership at every chance and will continue to do so. Are you aware that there is a major budget crisis going on and that we have CSEA brothers and sisters in our chapter who are on the school board approved lay off list? These are not good times right now for education. If you would like to use a real name for yourself, you are welcome to email me and I will be happy to assist you. If you are a chapter member, then you have my email address provided to you in every chapter newsletter. I will be happy to help you in that format. Thank you. written by Denise Cheeseman , May 10, 2008
Dear DEMOCRATDAD: CSEA supports healthcare reform. CSEA supports a single-payer system as outlined in SB840. It is upsetting to see our folks have to pay hundreds of dollars each and every month out of their pocket for health care when they cannot afford this on classified wages. Health care continues to go up every year. We need real healthcare reform! That is the real issue here! Thank you!
 written by saywhat? , May 10, 2008
Denise- If we are in a budget crisis why would your negotiating team recommend a yes vote for an 10 step upgrade for an employee? Who is going to pay that extra $4000.00 to $5000.00 a year? How can you and district find money for that but not for more health insurance coverage by the district?????
 written by CSEA Member , May 10, 2008
I was at Thursday night's meeting. Yes there are strong emotions on this issue (second only to pay) but why is this even news worthy? At this point a committee that worked very hard- many unpaid hours- sought out information and presented it to the membership to vote on. Nothing has changed yet, and it may not- depending on the vote. Isn't that what is great about America? Get informed, and then vote on what is best for you. Then the "side" with the majority of votes is declared.
The most important thing for the membership is to read the information, ask questions if they have any and do the math for your family and be sure and vote.  written by gary krebbs , May 10, 2008
As Chair for the Insurance Committee, I am very proud of the time and effort put forth by the Committee members/E-Board in regards to seeking out options for our fellow CSEA (California School Employees Association)Chapter #98 members.
For many years, we have asked, and been asked, for "something to be done about the skyrocketing benefit's costs". Periodically over these years, various committees and E-Board members have searched for options. This year, in the process of taking a close look at benefits, costs, plans, plan administrators and our CSEA Chapter demographics it was discovered that the breakdown of single/single w/one and families with benefits was surprisingly equal. In the past, the families far out numbered the single/single w/one members. Upon further analysis, we discovered that with a 3-tiered plan, we would be making it very possible for some part-time members to actually afford to have health care. Having made these discoveries, we unanimously agreed that these facts and information had to be provided to the entire CSEA Chapter membership. CSEA is a member driven and guided Union, as such we are doing the right thing it putting this to a vote. Each member is asked and expected to consider their own circumstances and voice that opinion with a vote! We are a strong, proud Union and we have and ALWAYS will be guided by the majority and I for one, see nothing but good by allowing our brothers and sisters to vote! The skyrocketing cost of health benefits is not just a "Tracy" or a "California" problem, this is a nationwide emergency. Although we cannot fix it locally, we can certainly have a strong voice if we write our congressmen, senators, governor, assemblymen, everyone in our political leadership and urge them to make Healthcare a top priority. Next month write them again and urge them again. The next month, again. We must keep the pressure and focus on our leadership regarding the needs of so many in our Nation.  written by single tusd mom , May 10, 2008
Trying to call me out because I do not feel that I should have to state my name here, therefore possibly causing an issue at work for myself, is outragous. Unless you personally went out and handed the paperwork to everyone of us you dont know that i received the information, and since I havent seen you or anyother memeber of the union board around my work location as a union rep that would mean I have not recieved the information. The 1st time I heard of any of this was the day after the meeting, and then here at the press.
Perhaps if you (the union board) want us (the classifed members of the union) to support the cause and understand it you should not rely strictly on papers, email or TP blogs to get your point across as we all know that the typed word can be taken wrong, as im sure many will read this as an attack an that is not at all how i am trying to sound. the sad thing is that no matter what the average memeber says its going to be the boards way or no way i just pray that it comes out the right way for everyone written by Denise Cheeseman , May 10, 2008
single TUSD mom: I was not “calling you out”. I was offering you help. In order for me to assist you, I must know who you are. That is not something I want public .In no way would this effect your work place. It is also vital to provide me with your site. You state you are a site rep? I personally sent out and in some cases hand delivered notices to all site reps to hand out to their members. This means your envelope was somehow lost in district mail. I would like to provide you with a replacement. As a site rep, it is your responsibility to communicate with the board if something like that happens so the problem can be corrected for you. We are here to help. To address your closing comments, it is the membership as a whole who will decide this outcome, not the board. Again, please email so I can provide you with assistance. Thank you.
written by Denise Cheeseman , May 10, 2008
Dear “SayWhat?”: We had one employee who has been working outside her job classification for some time now. She should not only receive partial pay for her work. As an employee she has the same rights as the other classified employees. She deserves to be properly classed and paid accordingly. The negotiations team and district were both in favor of this fair treatment. This is also why the members voted in favor of the TA. It was the right thing to do. School employees in general are grossly underpaid for the essential work they perform. Our classified folks are awesome. It is not an issue of underpaid or over worked. It was a fairness issue of this one employee not being properly classed. It has now been corrected. Thank you.
 written by Cathy Hill , May 10, 2008
The union is lucky to have such dedicated officers. These officers have placed the employees first, above their own personal needs. That is a selfless thing to do. President Cheeseman has made a difference for her employees and has guided the officers and employees with integrity. She has earned the respect of her employees. The insurance committee was a good idea. It takes courage to confront the health care issues that employees face. This problem is out of control everywhere! They are lucky that they can even have families on insurance! I had never heard of an employer who does not charge more money for the employee families. This was a first for me. Most companies only provide insurance for the employee. These officers are trying to do what is good and fair for all of their employees. That isn’t easy. That isn’t popular. There is always going to be some people that are not going to be happy no matter how much you do for them. At least you continue to work for them and try your best. It is noticed. The rest of the employees see your efforts! I applaud you.
..., Lowly rated comment [Show]
 written by margaret beckelman , May 11, 2008
Dear Denise and E board
I commend you all for the great efforts and dedication you have all put forth. I am proud to be a part of this chapter and stand behind you. Thank you, Margaret Beckelman
..., Lowly rated comment [Show]
 written by proud member , May 12, 2008
Thanks to Denise and the rest of the eboard for having the guts to bring this insurance information before the members. There are some who are angry that they are giving members a say so? I say “keep it up!” I expect my eboard to be honest with me and have some guts! Stand up for us members! What they are doing is the union way. We deserve this right to vote. This is excellent leadership… putting our needs before their own. We all received the letters. We need to read them, study them and go vote. We finally have some choices! It’s about time!
 written by school employee , May 12, 2008
Thank you to our chapter 98 officers. I wouldn't want to be in your shoes with some of the members acting like idiots to you. Those aren't many. The rest of us are happy that you are doing your best for us. Denise, keep up the good work. Stay strong!
 written by TUSD Para , May 12, 2008
I am glad that the health insurance committee was able to find new information. The eboard is now bringing it to the members and allowing us to vote. Good work. Thank you!
 written by Concerned classified , May 12, 2008
It's about time we have a president with some back bone. She and the other officers are on a good path. It's about time we have some other choices and options. Thank you for finally doing something about this.
 written by union member , May 12, 2008
I am reading the union letter. The committee has done their homework on this. I'm glad I get to vote on this. I can't keep up with our high payments. I can't pay my bills and have no choice since I have to take the insurance. From what I heard we are not going to get raises either. Thanks for watching out for us.
 written by FED UP , May 12, 2008
I am so $#@$## fed up with our high insurance payments. I don't even want it but I have to pay for it anyway. It's about time the union is thinking of other options for us.
 written by B-dub , May 12, 2008
If you happen to be a Para-professional, the insurance premium increase will take a big chunk from your paycheck. I know what some will say "Choose another healthcare provider" but Kaiser is out of the question so I guess we'll just have to pay the higher premium to have our PPO.
written by saywhat? , May 12, 2008
Its about time they are giving us these options! I too am sick of paying for everyone else's families. How about after you get this changed you start working on adding the amount of our insurance benefits to count towards our retirement pension! This would really help us all out in our retirment years to have a bigger monthly pension check.
 written by TUSD Para , May 13, 2008
Hey B-dub: At least you have health insurance. Most of us do not! Now there is an option I can think about and I might be able to go for. Maybe now after all these years I can have health insurance too. I have to pay cash for my doctors and prescriptions. Try doing that for a while. That is a much bigger chunk that what I will have to pay if on the new option. At least we will have some choices. I like that. That is how it should be.
 written by FED UP , May 13, 2008
Read the letter. You could get coverage for FREE. If you have a family, you can still sign just yourself up for FREE. You can get a cheaper plan on your own, I bet cheaper than the district offers and you will still come out with more money! Hello! You won't have to cut any food groups! Instead of complaining, read the letter. Get a hold of the committee, ask questions and learn before you write remarks! If you still don't like what you learn, then you can vote how you want.
written by union member , May 13, 2008
B-dub. Read your letter! If you are a 8-hour employee you have 7 options to choose from and 6 out of the 7 plans would be free! Free is a darn good price!
It would be your choice if you want to have others on there for more money. Its about choice and it's about time we have one! written by B-dub , May 13, 2008
Hey all, back off a little. I'm not complaining about the choices for medical coverage, I'm just complaining about the cost to keep the current plan. I know that having the choices is a good thing.
written by FED UP , May 13, 2008
Glad to hear that. Sorry B-dub! I'm glad I am given a choice. Don't get me wrong, I care about the families. I deal with my own kids. I don't expect the rest of you to pay for them! I don't even want the insurance and need the money for bills. This is the first time that we have been given options. It's about time.
 written by Shocked Member , May 13, 2008
I hate to admit that I do not normally go to my union meetings. I was at the last one and shocked to see certain people treating our own president and the other officers so terrible. This is by far the best president our chapter has ever seen and you fire at her like that? Screaming about bylaws? What an idiot. If you would have stopped flapping your mouth long enough you could have seen in front of your face on the agenda a 2 minute limit. It is always on them. Waving your hand around and rudely making comments the entire meeting? You should really feel embarrassed. It was embarrassing to see and you need to get a life. So does your husband for trying to get out of his supporting the eboard in the vote issue. You need to excuse yourself off the eboard when you can’t stand up for the members as a group. The eboard made a good choice to bring it to us and you stood up there acting like you were not a part. You showed your colors. You both embarrassed yourselves. I am not going to mention names. But you know who you are, the woman in student services, you need to go somewhere else. It is one thing to have an opinion and we all have our own. You were not giving an opinion. You were giving a disrespectful lecture and we didn’t want to hear you. The president was correct in stopping you. As it was she gave you too much time and should have stopped you after the first 2 or 3 minutes instead of over 6 minutes! You were out of lineI don’t know how I am going to vote yet. But I know for sure now, that you are not a credible person. Sorry to the eboard for going through that the other night. We are not all like that. I am with you. Thank you for allowing us to have the insurance information and letting us vote.
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