SHARE, among other Unions who represent Massachusetts state employees, successfully lobbied over the last couple months to stop proposed increases to GIC health insurance coverage. The state, looking to find about $100 million in savings, planned to increase out-of-pocket expenses for state employees through higher deductibles and copays.
On February 10th SHARE posted links to the Massachusetts Teachers’ Association, one of the leaders in this fight, to provide more information on this issue and a portal to use to contact your local and state legislators. Many of you have reached out opposing these increases, and it worked. Through our collective voice, union members across the state were heard loud and clear, and Governor Healey withdrew most of the proposed cost hikes.
Unfortunately, its not all good news. On February 26th, in a 10-7 decision, the GIC voted to end coverage for GLP-1 drugs, affecting roughly 22,000 GIC members. President Max Page of the MTA said “Health care in this country is broken, but asking public employees to pay more is not the solution. MTA members will continue to fight for affordable access to GLP-1 medications that have been live-changing for so many people.”
SHARE will continue to monitor this situation, help where we can, and keep our members informed. Thank you for your help!