The Union is pleased to announce that there are no major changes to Healthcare Benefits in 2023 for both Active and Retired COBA Members. As we all know the price of healthcare along with everything else has skyrocketed in the past few years, and this year we have seen a 14% to 23% increase in healthcare premiums with the plans that the county offers to their employees. With that being said, the Healthcare Committee which has Representatives from numerous Departments within the County and representatives from all of the Labor Unions, have worked hard year-round to give County Employees the best Healthcare options. Brian Wise and myself are on this Committee and from day one we have vowed to make sure there was no diminishment in benefit’s and to also maintain a no cost option for all COBA Members. Below is important information that could possibly affect you.

Optical and Dental

-      No plan changes from 2022

COBA Members hired prior to June 1, 2014

-      No Major changes to the Empire Plan/NYSHIP

COBA Members hired on or after June 1, 2014

  -     EMPIRE- Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Blue Access- No changes at all from 2022 and is still under the 85% of the cost The Empire Plan/NYSHIP annual premium, “SO IT IS STILL A NO COST OPTION TO COBA MEMBERS, WITH NO PLAN CHANGES”

-      NYSHIP/The Empire Plan- Pursuant to the Current Contract, if COBA Members elect to enroll in NYSHIP/The Empire Plan, they will have to pay 15% of the applicable premium. The Employee cost for this plan is:

Individual= $100.88 per 24 payroll checks-(total contribution-$ 2,421.11)

Family= $238.19 per 24 payroll checks-(total contribution-$5,716.57)

Note:

-      Since NYSHIP is a NYS Civil Service Plan, we could not modify the plan criteria or negotiate the plan cost.

-      All Healthcare premium deductions are deducted on a pre-taxed basis

-      Payroll premium deductions are only deducted from 24 of the 26 yearly payroll checks (two months per year there are three payroll checks, in those months there will only be deductions from two of the three checks)

-      During open enrollment, if you opt to remain in your current plan(s) and make no changes, no action is necessary!!!

Feel free to give Brian Wise or myself a call if you have any questions.

Yours in Unionism,

Dennis Maurus

COBA 4^th VP