December 9, 2022
For Immediate Release
Contact: Steve Howard
802-793-7930
The members of the Retired Employees Committee on Insurance (RECI) voted in November to oppose Governor Phil Scott’s proposal to force retired state employees into a Medicare Advantage scheme. RECI is a statutorily created joint committee that includes appointees of the Vermont State Employees’ Association (VSEA) and also appointees of Governor Phil Scott. Its specific purpose is to advise the Secretary of Administration.
“Retired state employees want nothing to do with Medicare Advantage,” says RECI Chairperson Dave Bellini. “We are urging the Governor to abandon his proposal outright, and we are already advising lawmakers to steadfastly oppose the Governor’s proposal if introduced,” adding emphatically, “Don’t force retirees into a plan they do not wish to participate in.”
Bellini explained that opposition to the Governor’s plan stems from volumes of reports retirees have found that outline considerable plan mismanagement and a disturbing and random denial of necessary medical care to Medicare Advantage participants.
“Yes, you can save millions of dollars if you are willing to deny retired state employees the health care they need and have earned,” explains Bellini. “But it is flat-out wrong, and retired state employees want no part of any Medicare Advantage plan.”
Committee’s Letter to the Governor:
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