How will the new program affect MPS health insurance rates?
In 2003, we also saw H&PM as the way to stop the health insurance premium deductions that MPS was proposing for employees. Huge premium payments would have forced our lowest-paid members to drop the insurance they and their families need. Through bargaining, we have maintained 100% Board payment of health insurance premiums. However, all four MTEA contracts now have a provision that employees will pay 2.5% of the Aetna premium if the Aetna premium rate increases by 17% in any one year. We firmly believe that the best way to keep Aetna rate increases below the 17% trigger is to successfully implement this new program.
