In 3-1 decision, health care proposal in limboMike Ziegler
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Presented as a “rich” health care benefits plan for STLCC faculty and staff, the Board of Trustees voted against approving a measure to renew health care benefits during their Feb. 23 meeting held at the Cosand Center.
Trustee Bob Burns voted against the measure with three other members voting yes and two trustees, Libby Fitzgerald and Hattie Jackson, abstaining from voting citing a conflict of interest since both receive health benefits from the college. The next opportunity for the board to vote on the measure again is during their March 29 meeting held at STLCC-Meramec.
The current college contract expires on June 1. If the college were to renew the contract with the current benefits, they would face a cost increase of about $1.2 million dollars for the year, according to Andrew Langrehr, dean of science and technology and member of the task force charged with presenting a plan to the college leadership.
“If we were forced to go for one month beyond, rather than renewing on June 1, the college may have to pay what would be the new cost for our current plan,” Langrehr said.
That cost would equate to approximately $100,000 if the college fails to approve a new plan and have it in place by June 1 if the $1.2 million increase in cost is separated out into 12 months.
Langrehr said the plan presented during the Board of Trustees meeting has co-pay costs reduced compared to the current plan and is “very similar” to the base plan currently offered to faculty and staff.
Langrehr said the plan was referred to by the insurance representative as a “rich” plan that “provides a lot” for employees. He said the proposed plan is better than most employers.
When Kevin White, American Federation of Teachers-Local 3506 president, addressed the board, he said the plan presented had objections from the 500 classified staff he represents regarding the $1,250 annual deductible.
Points of discussion during the debate before the Feb. 23 vote included a no buy-up plan option or self-funded plan and a $1,250 deductible faced by all staff in the single option plan. Currently, faculty and staff are offered a base and can “buy-up” to a premier plan as an option.
Right now, the college pays a flat rate each month as part of the benefits contract with United Healthcare, the college health care provider. A self-funded plan would allow the college to pay only what claims are made by employees each month, meaning the rate the college pays would vary month-to-month.
“[The Board of Trustees] are there to watch over the resources and make sure every possible dollar is spent on students,” Burns said. “It also means you want students taught by teachers who are qualified and employees working in other areas are qualified. Partially, the thing about being qualified and doing a good job is that you are happy and don’t feel that your college or supervisor is taking advantage of you.”
The benefits plan affects approximately 1,400 STLCC district employees.
“I think there’s going to have to be a decision made real soon. The further we push back the decision for a health plan, there are some important ramifications of that decision,” Langrehr said.
Visit meramecmontage.com for more information on the Trustees’ abstention from voting at the Feb. 23 Bprad of Trustee meeting.
