1014 Health Line-Summer 2017

ISSUE 2 Summer 2017

THE 1014 HEALTH LINE

Photo by Adam VanGerpen

Protecting Firefighters & Their Families...FOR LIFE Board of Trustees Message Chairman’s Note Feature Story SPD Now Available Open Enrollment Healthcare Legislation

BOARD BOARD OFOF TRUSTEES TRUSTEES MESSAGE MESSAGE

BOARD OF TRUSTEES MESSAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MESSAGE

NEW NEWLOOK LOOKWITH WITH INCREASED INCREASED BENEFITS BENEFITS

This This summer summer youryour health health planplan is getting is getting a fresh a fresh new new

looklook and and brand brand identity identity to match to match our recently our recently enhanced enhanced benefits. benefits.

We are Weexcited are excited to officially to officially launch launch our new our new name, name, The The Local Local 10141014 Health Health Plan, Plan, and and logologo as part as part of our of our continuing continuing growth growth and and development development to offer to offer superior superior health health coverage coverage and and service service to our to members. our members.

The The LocalLocal 10141014 Health Health PlanPlan has grown has grown and and evolved evolved sincesince 19781978 and and the Board the Board of Trustees of Trustees felt itfelt was it was timetime to update to update our brand our brand identity. identity.

We created We created a new a new logologo to reflect to reflect where where we are wetoday are today and and to symbolize to symbolize our dynamic our dynamic future. future.

We are We are proud proud of our of rich our rich history history and and tradition, tradition, which which is why is why our our new new LocalLocal 10141014 Health Health PlanPlan logologo retains retains our Union’s our Union’s core core elements, elements, including including the traditional the traditional Maltese Maltese (Saint (Saint Florian) Florian) cross, cross, our Local our Local 10141014 colors colors (brilliant (brilliant red and red and gold), gold), and and an EKG an EKG wave,wave, symbolic symbolic of the of work the work we do wecaring do caring for others for others and and ourselves. ourselves.

Our Our new new slogan, slogan, “Protecting “Protecting Firefighters Firefighters & Their & Their Families…FOR Families…FOR LIFE,” LIFE,” conveys conveys our mission our mission and and a clear a clear purpose purpose for what for what we do. weThe do. The Board Board of Trustees of Trustees works works diligently diligently to secure to secure the best the best possible possible healthcare healthcare for you for and you and youryour lovedloved ones.ones.

Increased Increased benefits benefits tailored tailored to meet to meet our our Firefighters’ Firefighters’ needs needs provide provide incomparable incomparable coverage coverage that that is is designed designed withwith you in youmind. in mind.

Another Another critical critical component component of of the Local the Local 10141014 Health Health PlanPlan is that is that this this is the is only the only health health offered in County the County you take can take you into planplan offered in the that that you can withwith you into retirement and and maintain FORFOR LIFE. retirement maintain LIFE. We hope you our like new our new but more importantly, We hope that that you like look,look, but more importantly, we hope you take advantage all that we hope that that you take advantage of allofthat this this planplan has has to offer. satisfaction comes knowing to offer.

Our Our satisfaction comes fromfrom knowing that that our our members families are being well-cared for under members and and theirtheir families are being well-cared for under the Local Health Thank youplacing for placing the Local 10141014 Health Plan.Plan.

Thank you for youryour us and working together a bright trusttrust in usinand let’s let’s keepkeep working together for afor bright healthy future. and and healthy future.

The The only only health health plan plan offered offered in in thethe County County that that youyou cancan take take with with youyou into into retirement retirement and and maintain maintain FOR FOR LIFE.” LIFE.”

CHAIRMAN’S CHAIRMAN’S NOTE NOTE

NOTE FROM THE CHAIRMAN NOTE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

LOS LOSANGELES ANGELES COUNTY COUNTYCHOICES CHOICES OPEN OPENENROLLMENT ENROLLMENT

Xavier Xavier“X” “X” Campos Campos Chairman Chairman The The LocalLocal 10141014 Health Health PlanPlan Board Board of Trustees of Trustees

The The year year is moving is moving quickly quickly and we andare wenearing are nearing the LA theCounty LA County Choices Choices OpenOpen Enrollment Enrollment period, period, October October 1 - 31, 1 - 2017.

31, 2017.

ThisThis is theis time the time of the of year the year that that you will you be willreviewing be reviewing options options on how on how to adequately to adequately provide provide for the for medical the medical wellbeing wellbeing of you of and you your and your family. family.

As you As make you make thesethese mostmost important important and critical and critical choices choices for you for and you your and your lovedloved ones,ones, we ask we that ask that you make you make youryour selections selections judiciously. judiciously.

Ask Ask yourself yourself the following the following questions: questions: Am IAm providing I providing enough enough medical medical coverage coverage for my forfamily? my family?

HowHow do the do Local the Local 10141014 Health Health PlanPlan benefits benefits compare compare to other to other plans? plans?

When When was the was last the time last time otherother plansplans enhanced enhanced theirtheir benefits? benefits?

Do other Do other plansplans offeroffer benefits benefits that that are geared are geared specifically specifically to Firefighters? to Firefighters?

While While reading reading the following the following pages, pages, please please take take notenote of what of what the Local the Local 10141014 Health Health PlanPlan has in hasstore in store for the for future the future and how and how muchmuch moremore it will it benefit will benefit you and you your and your family. family.

AfterAfter you’ve you’ve readread and compared, and compared, thenthen ask yourself ask yourself one final one final question question - WhyWhy am Iam notI enrolled not enrolled in the in Local the Local 10141014 Health Health Plan?Plan?

If you’re If you’re already already enrolled enrolled in our in plan, our plan, thenthen sit back sit back and say, and “I’m say, “I’m glad glad I’m covered.”

I’m covered.”

The The Local Local 1014 1014 Health Health Plan: Plan: Protecting Protecting Firefighters Firefighters & Their & Their Families….

Families….

FORFOR LIFE. LIFE. Sincerely, Sincerely,

Xavier Xavier “X” Campos “X” Campos Chairman Chairman The The LocalLocal 10141014 Health Health PlanPlan Board Board of Trustees of Trustees

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Board Board Members Members Xavier Xavier "X" "X" Campos, Campos, Chairman Chairman xcampos@local1014.org xcampos@local1014.org Mark Mark Bartholomew, Bartholomew, Trustee Trustee mbartholomew@local1014.org mbartholomew@local1014.org JohnJohn Bishop, Bishop, Trustee Trustee jbishop@local1014.org jbishop@local1014.org DaveDave Gillotte, Gillotte, Trustee Trustee daveg@local1014.org daveg@local1014.org DonDon Lassig, Lassig, Secretary Secretary dlassig@local1014.org dlassig@local1014.org David David Morse, Morse, Trustee Trustee dmorse@local1014.org dmorse@local1014.org Gerardo Gerardo Silva, Silva, Trustee Trustee gerrysilva@local1014.org gerrysilva@local1014.org Reg Reg Cyrus, Cyrus, Plan Plan Manager Manager rcyrus@local1014.org rcyrus@local1014.org

FEATURE FEATURE STORY STORY

COMPARING COMPARINGAND ANDCHOOSING CHOOSING THE THE“RIGHT” “RIGHT”INSURANCE INSURANCEPLAN PLAN

By Don

By Don Lassig Lassig The The Local Local 10141014 Health Health PlanPlan Board Board of Trustees of Trustees

Photo Photo

by Juan

by Juan Guerra Guerra Los Angeles Los Angeles County County Choices Choices Annual Annual OpenOpen Enrollment Enrollment for health for health insurance insurance is is coming coming up inup October. in October.

Your Local Your Local 1014 Health 1014 Health Plan is Plan theisinsurance the insurance of choice of choice for 2,345 for 2,345 of ourof3,109 our 3,109 activeactive unionunion members members and 1,784 and 1,784 of ourof1,859 our 1,859 retired retired unionunion members. members.

TheseThese figures figures equate equate to 75% to of 75% ourofactive our active members members and 96% and 96% of ourofretired our retired unionunion members members who choose who choose the Local the Local 1014 Health 1014 Health Plan above Plan above all theallother the other County County healthhealth plans.plans.

EveryEvery year, the year,Board the Board of Trustees of Trustees performs performs an actuarial an actuarial analysis analysis of theofTrust’s the Trust’s financial financial healthhealth and endeavors and endeavors to addtoenhancements add enhancements that will thatcontinue will continue to make to make the Local the Local 1014 Health 1014 Health Plan the Planbest the possible best possible choicechoice for our formembers our members and their and their families. families.

We truly We truly believe believe that our thatPlan our provides Plan provides the most the most comprehensive comprehensive coverage coverage for our foractive our active members, members, whether whether they’re they’re singlesingle or have or ahave family. a family.

This is This is also evident also evident with 96% with of 96% retirees of retirees electing electing to take to the takeplan the into planretirement, into retirement, and and the number the number of Chief of Chief Officers Officers that elect that elect to stay toon stay theonLocal the Local 1014 Health 1014 Health Plan Plan even after even they after promote they promote to Chief to Chief Officer.

Officer.

In theInpast the two pastyears, two years, we have we added have added the Body the Body Scan Scan benefit benefit whichwhich wouldwould normally normally cost as cost much as much as $2,500, as $2,500, if youifhad youtohad paytoout payofout pocket. of pocket.

Your Your BoardBoard of Trustees of Trustees was able was to able secure to secure a significant a significant cost reduction cost reduction for our formembers our members and we and hope we hope you take you advantage take advantage of thisofbenefit. this benefit.

The Body The Body Scan Scan has proved has proved to be to anbe effective an effective tool intool detecting in detecting cancercancer and heart and heart problems, problems, and has andcontributed has contributed to saving to saving lives, lives, as attested as attested to by to ourbymembers. our members.

lenseslenses per individual per individual per year. per year.

If individuals If individuals don’tdon’t want want or need or need prescription prescription sunglasses, sunglasses, they have they the haveoption the option of receiving of receiving fully covered fully covered non-prescription non-prescription sunglasses, sunglasses, such such as Maui as Maui Jim orJim other or other well-known well-known brands. brands.

Each Each time Itime speak I speak with awith different a different optometry optometry office,office, they are they are completely completely amazed amazed by ourbyVSP our benefits VSP benefits and state and state that they that have they never have never seen aseen comparable a comparable plan with plan such with such incredible incredible benefits. benefits.

Not toNot sound to sound repetitive, repetitive, but NO butOTHER NO OTHER PLANPLAN has ahas VSPa benefit VSP benefit with all with of all these of these additional additional benefits benefits and add-ons. and add-ons.

This past This year past also yearsaw alsothe sawintroduction the introduction of theofLiveHealth the LiveHealth feature, feature, whichwhich allowsallows you toyou calltoacall doctor a doctor for minor for minor ailments, ailments, such such as colds, as colds, flu, allergies, flu, allergies, and fever and fever for just forajust $15acopay. $15 copay.

This is This especially is especially beneficial beneficial to anyone to anyone with young with young children, children, as weas usually we usually have ahave good a good idea of idea what’s of what’s wrongwrong with them, with them, but need but need a doctor a doctor to prescribe to prescribe antibiotics antibiotics or other or other medication. medication.

Antibiotics Antibiotics and non-narcotic and non-narcotic medicines medicines are prescribed are prescribed over the overphone the phone and sent and to sent thetopharmacy the pharmacy of of your choice. your choice.

This avoids This avoids the hassle the hassle of packing of packing the kids the in kids theincar, theand car, and sittingsitting in a doctor’s in a doctor’s officeoffice for hours for hours whilewhile waiting waiting to be to seen. be seen.

Your Local Your Local 1014 Health 1014 Health Plan has Planbeen has been able to able enact to enact thesethese and other and other enhancements enhancements with prudent with prudent investments investments supported supported by astute by astute financial financial advisors. advisors.

This has Thisallowed has allowed for minimal for minimal yearlyyearly raisesraises to ourtoactive our active and and retireeretiree premium premium rates.rates.

This coming This coming year, as year, always, as always, the Local the Local 1014 1014 Health Health Plan premium Plan premium rates rates for active for active members members will leave will leave enough enough money money from from your County your County contribution contribution to purchase to purchase DeltaDelta Dental Dental coverage, coverage, AD&D, AD&D, etc. Any etc.retiree Any retiree with 25+ withyears 25+ years of service of service is is automatically automatically 100%100% covered covered by thebyCounty the County contribution contribution for retirees for retirees (4% for (4% every for every year of year service). of service).

The Local The Local 1014 Health 1014 Health Plan now Plan includes now includes an excess an excess dentaldental benefit, benefit, whichwhich is is unheard unheard of in ANY of in ANY otherother insurance insurance plan. plan.

Initially, Initially, the excess the excess dentaldental covered covered $1,000/year $1,000/year per family per family member, member, but last butyear last that year figure that figure was raised was raised to $1,500. to $1,500.

This amount This amount ensures ensures that only that in only very in severe very severe dentaldental casescases will the willmember the member and/or and/or their their dependents dependents incurincur costs costs that exceed that exceed the combination the combination of their of their DeltaDelta As Trustees, and asand active as active and retired and retired LocalLocal 1014 members, 1014 members, we have we have (Cigna (Cigna for retirees) for retirees) and the andLocal the Local 1014 Health 1014 Health Plan’sPlan’s $1,500 $1,500 contribution contribution each each As Trustees, strived to make to make your Local your Local 1014 Health 1014 Health Plan impossible Plan impossible to resist. to resist.

The The year. year.

In addition, In addition, our Plan our also Planoffers also offers $3,000/person $3,000/person (lifetime) (lifetime) for orthodontia for orthodontia strived Anthem/Blue Anthem/Blue CrossCross network network withinwithin our Plan our is Plan oneisofone theoflargest the largest coverage. coverage.

This is This theisonly the plan only that plan offers that offers this benefit. this benefit.

In-Network In-Network groups groups not only not in only California, in California, but throughout but throughout the entire the entire Country.

Country.

You can Youvisit can avisit specific a specific doctordoctor or hospital or hospital of your of choice your choice in in Incorporated Incorporated in theinrecent the recent LocalLocal 1014 Health 1014 Health Plan enhancements Plan enhancements close close proximity proximity to your to home your home that best that suits best suits your needs. your needs.

SomeSome of ourof our is theisVSP the (eye VSPglasses/contacts) (eye glasses/contacts) benefit, benefit, whichwhich has been has been raisedraised younger younger activeactive members members choose choose otherother plans,plans, such such as Kaiser, as Kaiser, thinking thinking to $300 to $300 for frames for frames or contacts. or contacts.

However, However, the $300 the $300 doesn’t doesn’t do do that they that are theysaving are saving money money with minimal with minimal co-pays co-pays and no and deductibles no deductibles justicejustice to ALL to of ALL theofextras the extras contained contained in ourinVSP our contract, VSP contract, prior prior to getting to getting 100%100% coverage; coverage; however, however, thesethese plansplans DO NOT DO NOT offer any offer any whichwhich also covers also covers lenses. lenses.

Earlier Earlier this year, this Iyear, visited I visited my optometrist my optometrist of theofenhanced the enhanced benefits benefits available available in ourinLocal our Local 1014 Health 1014 Health Plan. Plan. for myforannual my annual examexam and walked and walked out with out awith set of a set prescription of prescription OtherOther activeactive members members may have may coverage have coverage through through a spouse a spouse and “opt and “opt Oakley Oakley sunglasses sunglasses with lens withoptions lens options (progressives, (progressives, anti-reflection, anti-reflection, out” of out” anyofcoverage any coverage to gettothe get$244/month the $244/month from from the County. the County.

However, However, polarized, polarized, etc.) for etc.) only for $80! only Without $80! Without the Local the Local 1014 Health 1014 Health Plan, Plan, the benefits the benefits of ourof1014 our Plan 1014 outweigh Plan outweigh the supposed the supposed “savings,” “savings,” as itsas its thesethese sunglasses sunglasses wouldwould have cost haveme cost$690, me $690, but thanks but thanks to ourtoPlan our IPlan saved I saved doubtful doubtful that the thatspouse’s the spouse’s insurance insurance can compare can compare to ourtoHealth our Health Plan. Plan. $610.$610.

Our Health Our Health Plan has Planalso hasadded also added a second a second set ofset glasses of glasses and and Continued Continued on nexton page next» page »

The Local The Local 1014 Health 1014 Health Plan is Plan serviced is serviced by ourbyown our claims own claims staff who staff work who work out ofout your of union your union office.office.

ThereThere are over are 25 over 25 professional professional staff in staff ourinClaims our Claims Department Department that have that have servedserved our members’ our members’ needsneeds with an with average an average time on time theon the job ofjob over of 15 over years.

15 years.

They They devotedevote all of all their of their time to time work to work exclusively exclusively on Firefighter on Firefighter and dependents’ and dependents’ claims. claims.

TheseThese individuals individuals are under are under the direct the direct supervision supervision of theof the Administrative Administrative Plan Manager, Plan Manager, Reggie Reggie Cyrus,Cyrus, who reports who reports to your to Board your Board of Trustees, of Trustees, whichwhich includes includes a combination a combination of active of active and retired and retired members members intimately intimately familiar familiar with the with the lives of lives Firefighters of Firefighters and their and their families’ families’ needs.needs.

ThereThere is is absolutely absolutely NO OTHER NO OTHER healthhealth plan that plan offers that offers such such personal personal customer customer service service addressing addressing real life realpatient life patient concerns. concerns.

If youIfhave you ahave question a question regarding regarding a medical a medical procedure, procedure, choicechoice of doctor(s), of doctor(s), or billing or billing problems, problems, you you can pick-up can pick-up the phone the phone and talk andtotalk Member to Member Services, Services, all of all of whomwhom have handled have handled thousands thousands of similar of similar matters matters and and questions. questions.

If your If concerns your concerns are still arenot stillsatisfied, not satisfied, you have you have the option the option of speaking of speaking directly directly to thetoPlan the Manager.

Plan Manager.

With With any ofany theofother the other healthhealth plans,plans, you are youstuck are stuck with an with an unknown, unknown, “low rung” “low rung” entityentity from from a gigantic a gigantic company company that that has absolutely has absolutely no personal no personal experience experience handling handling Firefighter Firefighter concerns. concerns.

UPDATED UPDATEDSPD SPD NOW NOWAVAILABLE AVAILABLE

By Reg

By Reg Cyrus Cyrus The The Local Local 10141014 Health Health PlanPlan Administrative Administrative Manager Manager

If you If haven't you haven't had had the opportunity the opportunity to see to itsee yet... it yet...

The The Los Angeles Los Angeles County County Fire Fire Fighters Fighters LocalLocal 10141014 Health Health PlanPlan 20172017 Summary Summary PlanPlan Description Description (SPD) (SPD) is now is now posted posted and and available available on on the Local the Local 10141014 Health Health PlanPlan website. website.

You You can access can access it at it at

www.local1014medical.org. www.local1014medical.org.

The The 20172017 SPDSPD has been has been redesigned redesigned and and is now is now an online an online clickable clickable document. document.

ThisThis allows allows us tousdeliver to deliver the information the information to you to utilizing you utilizing pointpoint and and clickclick technology. technology.

You You can also can also search search for key for words key words and and phrases phrases withwith the newly the newly implemented implemented search search function. function.

Inside Inside the SPD, the SPD, you will you find will find that that topics topics are illustrated are illustrated withwith callouts, callouts, in-text in-text boxes, boxes, and and pop-up pop-up windows. windows.

NewNew formatting formatting withwith graphics, graphics, icons, icons, and and pictures pictures highlight highlight key concepts. key concepts.

WantWant to know to know which which benefits benefits don'tdon't require require a deductible a deductible to betomet? be met?

You You can find can find the the answer answer in aninin-text an in-text box box of the of SPD. the SPD. We've We've mademade it more it more convenient convenient for you. for you.

Viewing Viewing the contents the contents of the of the SPDSPD has been has been optimized optimized for computer, for computer, tablet tablet or smart or smart phone. phone.

All ofAllthe of new the new 20172017 changes changes in vision, in vision, excess excess dental dental and and orthodontia orthodontia are explained are explained in detail. in detail.

We invite We invite you to youvisit to visit the Local the Local 10141014 Health Health PlanPlan website website and and take take a a look!look!

Try out Try the out SPD's the SPD's navigation navigation features features and and otherother functionalities. functionalities.

The The online online version version can be candownloaded be downloaded fromfrom the website the website or the or Local the Local 10141014 Health Health PlanPlan Member Member Services Services teamteam can email can email you ayou copy. a copy.

The The SPDSPD is also is also available available in printed in printed formform uponupon request. request.

Contact Contact us by usphone by phone at 800-660-1014 at 800-660-1014 or by oremail by email at medicalplan@local1014.org. at medicalplan@local1014.org.

For more For more information information on your on your coverage: coverage: Call Call our office our office at 800-660-1014 at 800-660-1014 Email Email medicalplan@local1014.org medicalplan@local1014.org

INFO INFO

In closing, In closing, your Local your Local 1014 Health 1014 Health Plan is Plan designed is designed to to Protect Protect Firefighters Firefighters & Their & Their Families…for Families…for LIFE!LIFE! You are You are not annot insignificant an insignificant “speck “speck of sand” of sand” in an in ocean an ocean of of bureaucracy. bureaucracy.

MakeMake the right the right choicechoice for you forand youyour and your familyfamily in October in October and CHOOSE and CHOOSE YOURYOUR LOCAL LOCAL 1014 1014 HEALTH HEALTH PLAN! PLAN! If youIfare youundecided are undecided and need and need questions questions answered, answered, talk totalk a fellow to a fellow Firefighter Firefighter as most as most of them of them have have our Local our Local 1014 Health 1014 Health Plan and Planfind andout findwhat out what they like they like aboutabout it. If you it. Ifhave you further have further questions, questions, pleaseplease call the call the officeoffice and ask andtoask speak to speak to a Member to a Member Services Services Representative.

Representative.

OPEN ENROLLMENT THE TOP BENEFITS YOU MAY BE MISSING Check out the newest Local 1014 Health Plan benefits that will save you money and increase your coverage. If you’re not currently enrolled in the Local 1014 Health Plan, sign-up during OPEN ENROLLMENT: OCTOBER 1 – 31, 2017.

DENTAL

Do you or your covered dependents need a crown, root canal or fillings? Through the Local 1014 Health Plan, you and each of your dependents are eligible to receive up to $1,500 in excess dental care each year.

Photo by Juan Guerra

ORTHODONTIA

Is it time for your child to get braces? The Local 1014 Health Plan will reimburse current orthodontia expenses up to a lifetime maximum of $3,000 per individual.

Use this coverage to supplement any Choices Dental Plan Orthodontia coverage.

75% 96%

OF OUR ACTIVE MEMBERS AND OF OUR RETIRED UNION MEMBERS

CHOOSE THE LOCAL 1014 HEALTH PLAN.

VISION

Do you need to renew your eyeglass prescription? Receive the following benefits through our plan: • $300 allowance per year for frames, lenses and contacts - a 70% increase from last year.

• An additional $300 allowance per year for a second pair of glasses or contacts for you and each of your enrolled dependents.

• SUNCARE COVERAGE: Use your $300 annual allowance for ready-made, non-prescription sunglasses (instead of prescription glasses or contacts).

“Earlier this year, I visited my optometrist for my annual exam and walked out with a set of prescription Oakley sunglasses with lens options (progressives, anti-reflection, polarized, etc.) for only $80! Without the Local 1014 Health Plan, these sunglasses would have cost me $690, but thanks to our Plan I saved $610.”

- Don Lassig, The Local 1014 Health Plan Board of Trustees

BODY SCAN

Did you know that Firefighters are at higher risk than the general public for developing illnesses such as heart disease, lung cancer, and structural degradation of the spine? Your Local 1014 Health Plan introduced the Body Scan benefit two years ago, and since then, it has helped to detect serious health issues among several of our members.

“ Local 1014 is the only health plan by Firefighters for Firefighters, and the only plan you can take with you into retirement.”

Dave Gillotte President Los Angeles County Firefighters Local 1014

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE LOCAL 1014 HEALTH PLAN OR FOR MORE DETAILS ON HOW TO SIGN-UP, PLEASE CALL MEMBER SERVICES AT 800-660-1014 OR EMAIL US AT MEDICALPLAN@LOCAL1014.ORG.

HEALTHCARE LEGISLATION

UPDATE ON PROPOSED HEALTHCARE LEGISLATION Federal Proposal to Repeal The ACA

California Single-Payer Initiative

On July 28 at 1:30am, the Senate failed to pass a plan that would have repealed parts of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon shelved the Single-Payer Healthcare Bill (SB 562) that would have covered all medical expenses, including dental, vision, and prescription drugs for every resident of the State of California on June 23.

The 49 to 51 vote is the third failed attempt at repealing the ACA. 48 Democrats and 3 Republicans opposed the Health Care Freedom Act or the “Skinny Repeal Bill” as it became known. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the Bill would have increased the number of uninsured people by 16 million and premiums would have risen by 20% each year over the next decade.

Additionally, the “Skinny Bill” would have ended the individual mandate requirement that most people have health coverage and the employer mandate to offer coverage to their workers. The legislation would have allowed states more flexibility to waive the federal requirement that health insurance plans provide consumers with a minimum set of benefits like maternity care and prescription drugs. It would have also eliminated funds provided by the ACA for a wide range of prevention and public health programs.

Speaker Rendon stated that the Bill was “woefully incomplete” and didn’t address serious issues, such as financing, delivery of care, or cost controls. The Senate Appropriations Committee analysis also estimated its cost at $400 billion a year, more than twice the size of the state budget.

Shelving the Bill does not kill it entirely because this is only the first year of a two-year session. The Senate can make amendments and reintroduce a revised Bill next year.

After the vote, members from both parties agreed that instead of rushing the Bill through the Senate floor, it would be best to send it back to committee, hold hearings, and receive input from both parties.

!

THESE PROPOSED BILLS COULD IMPACT YOUR LOCAL 1014 HEALTH PLAN. THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR BOTH INITIATIVES AND NOTIFY OUR MEMBERS IF EITHER OF THESE ADVANCE THROUGH THE LEGISLATURE.

Presorted Standard US Postage PAID KBC Mailing 91352

CONTACT INFORMATION: The Local 1014 Health Plan 3460 Fletcher Avenue El Monte, CA 91731 800-660-1014 medicalplan@local1014.org local1014medical.org

Photo by Dave Mills

& Associates A GOVERNMENT

& PUBLIC

AFFAIRS FIRM