Our Healthcare
Welcome to our Health Care section, designed to provide essential information for both retirees and active NYC employees.
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Visit our Latest Developments Page for the latest Up-to-date information.
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We also invite you to see our new series Faces of Retirees, we want you to meet a few retirees that this plan is going to impact financially. We want you to hear their voices and see their faces.
...Because One Day This Will Be You!
Why is Traditional Medicare is Better than Medicare Advantage?
Freedom of Choice
With Traditional Medicare, you have the freedom to choose any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, whereas Medicare Advantage plans often have limited provider networks.
01
Predictable Costs
Traditional Medicare typically has more predictable out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles and copayments, compared to Medicare Advantage plans, which may have varying costs depending on the services you use.
02
Coverage Flexibility
Traditional Medicare allows you to add supplemental insurance, such as Medigap policies, to help cover expenses not covered by Medicare, providing more comprehensive coverage options.
03
Nationwide Coverage
Traditional Medicare provides coverage nationwide, making it convenient for retirees who travel or reside in different states for part of the year, while Medicare Advantage plans may have restrictions on coverage outside their service area.
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Retirees and Active Employees: Preserving Healthcare Benefits:
We understand the significance of healthcare benefits, especially as you transition into retirement. It's crucial to make informed decisions to safeguard your well-being. Explore why Medicare Advantage might not be the optimal choice through our in-depth video "Health Care Facts They Don't Want You to Know!"
Protecting Your Future
Your active involvement in understanding and advocating for your benefits is paramount. Learn about the evolution of our Health Program since the inception of Medicare, gaining insights into the historical context and implications for current and future retirees.
How did the Union Let Us Down?
Betrayal of Trust:
Retirees were promised continued healthcare benefits into retirement, as stated in collective bargaining agreements, but union leaders may have disregarded these promises by making side deals that compromise retirees' benefits.
Prioritization of Active Workers:
Union leaders may have prioritized benefits for active workers over retirees, incorporating agreements into contracts that strip away healthcare benefits from retirees to benefit active workers, leading to a shift in funds from healthcare to raises and budget shortfalls.
Loss of Options and Protection
Retirees have lost their insurance options and union Protection, making them vulnerable to decisions made by active workers and union leaders. The lack of representation prevents retirees from having a say in contracts or voting on union officers, further exacerbating their situation.
Misrepresentation of Retirees' Impact on Benefits:
Retirees are unfairly blamed for potential loss of benefits by active workers, despite city law requiring equal health coverage at the same cost for retirees. The Municipal Labor Committee, under certain leadership, allowed retirees to be forced into managed healthcare and removed from federal health benefits like Medicare, further exacerbating their plight.
Our Experience as Retirees:
As retirees, we've walked the same path you're on now. We were once dedicated union members who fought for our rights through collective bargaining agreements. However, recent developments have posed challenges to the continuity of our healthcare benefits, prompting us to advocate for preservation.
Get Involved:
Engage with the issues at hand by exploring Collective Bargaining and Health Savings Agreements. These documents offer a detailed understanding of the decisions impacting your benefits.
Stay Informed:
Listen to RTC Meeting Audio Clips and watch video explainers for a comprehensive understanding of the ongoing challenges. Stay engaged by contributing through donations and subscriptions, ensuring the continuity of advocacy efforts.
Faces of Retirees
Meet retirees who are directly impacted by recent developments. Their personal stories provide valuable perspectives on the realities of navigating healthcare as retirees, highlighting the importance of collective advocacy.
In Conclusion:
As you navigate your career and prepare for retirement, remember that healthcare benefits are a crucial component of your overall financial security. By staying informed, engaged, and proactive, we can collectively ensure the preservation of healthcare benefits for retirees and future employees alike.
