Cayuga County holds off, for now, on retiree health insurance change

OWASCO — A resolution to transition eligible Cayuga County retirees from their current health insurance plan to a Medicare Advantage plan has been tabled.

The Cayuga County Legislature on Tuesday voted to table the resolution after questions arose about the switch. Some retirees expressed concern about the change, mainly because of an apparent lack of communication with those who would be affected by the move.

Joan Smrtic, a retired Cayuga County employee, spoke at the Legislature meeting and mentioned she did not receive any calls, emails or letters about the proposed transition. She questioned how it would affect her and other eligible retirees, including how the plan would provide comparable coverage and whether it would cover prescription drugs.

The proposal, introduced by Cayuga County Legislature Chairman Jonathan Anna, would move eligible retirees enrolled in the county health insurance plan, which is provided by Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield, to a Medicare Advantage plan. If the resolution is approved, the change would take effect on Jan. 1.

Anna's resolution explains that the county is seeking alternative health insurance options to "reduce the cost of health insurance coverage," one of the largest cost drivers for local governments.

But legislators, even if they support the proposal, heard concerns from retirees and wanted to hold off on voting for the resolution.

Legislator Aileen McNabb-Coleman told her colleagues she received feedback from retirees. It was clear, she said, that the county needs to do a better job of communicating with the retirees.

"These folks are not here to try to be a thorn in our side," McNabb-Coleman said. "They are here because it's very scary to have your health insurance changed."

Legislator Elane Daly is among the retirees who will be affected by the potential switch to Medicare Advantage. Daly is the former director of what's now known as the Cayuga County Health Department.

Daly acknowledged she knows more about the change and is more comfortable with it than other retirees. Addressing one of the questions raised by Smrtic, she revealed the plan does have prescription drug coverage — a fact confirmed by Anna.

But Daly admitted that some retirees do not have that information. She agreed with the decision to table the resolution until October.

Legislator Amy Sargent also supports the resolution, but wants to ensure the retirees are better educated about the plan.

"I think you'll find it's a good decision for retirees and the county," Sargent said.

Anna explained why he pursued the change. Moving from the existing health insurance plan to a Medicare Advantage plan for retirees could save the county $3 million, he said. He noted that Cayuga Community College uses the same plan for its retirees and "they've had very good success with it."

"This is something I do support," he said. "I think this is vital and I do plan on passing this next month, provided the support of the Legislature."

The Legislature voted 8 to 1 to table the resolution, with Anna being the only no vote. Legislators Brian Muldrow and Tom Winslow were absent.

The next Legislature meeting is at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the Emerson Park Pavilion in Owasco. The meeting will be held in the morning for the annual Student Government Day.

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