Unions plan rally before hearing over increased health insurance costs; governor says they deserve raises - WV MetroNews

Three labor unions that represent government employees are organizing a demonstration to address the impact of rising insurance expenses, for their members.

A rally is scheduled to take place this evening in Morgantown before a PEIA hearing where representatives from AFT West Virginia and the West Virginia Education Association along with members of the United Mine Workers of America will be, in attendance.

Two unions represent teachers across the state while the United Mine Workers not advocates for coal miners but also stands up for public servants such as county employees, in Monongalia County.

The Public Employees Insurance Agency aims to address a projected shortfall of $113 million for the fiscal year by proposing cost adjustments. The agencys Finance Board has opened up the proposal for feedback in various locations across the state and is currently in Morgantown tonight seeking input, from residents.

This marks the rally that has been officially announced.

Kristie Skidmore stated that this is a concern, for workers who are striving to meet their financial needs.

She mentioned that it's, about time we tackle the issue at hand.

"This issue has been left unresolved for quite some time now.It is our hope and request to the Legislature to address this matter with urgency during their interim session in December " expressed Skidmore during an interview, on MetroNews "Talkline."

"We must consider what is necessary to populate classrooms I fear that if this plan is implemented we may see more individuals leave due, to financial constraints."

The Public Employees Insurance Agency plans to raise premiums and introduce out of pocket expenses for the next fiscal year due, to rising medical and drug costs surpassing the available funds.

Public workers enrolled in the program may see their insurance costs go up by 14 percent under the state plan or 16 percent under government plans; meanwhile retirees may experience a 12 percent hike in premiums as, per the latest details shared by PEIA on Thursday afternoon.

The agency is suggesting raising deductibles by around 40% which amounts to over $300 on average for individuals enrolled in the insurance plan This adjustment also includes proposed cost hikes such as increasing the surcharge for spouses from $147 to $350 with the goal of assisting PEIA in bridging a funding gap of $113 million The proposed cost adjustments extend to higher copays for services, like inpatient care outpatient visits therapy medication and emergency room treatments

In 2018 teachers across the state went on strike due, to worries that their salaries were not keeping up with the increasing insurance costs they faced daily prompting Governor Jim Justices team to address the issue through salary hikes.

The government also invested an amount of money into a PEIA Rainy Day Fund with the intention of keeping cost hikes in check. While this approach successfully kept cost rises, in check for a years it is no longer being implemented.

"Our dedicated state workers put in a lot of effort and contribute positively to their roles. So I made an effort to avoid raising premiums and PEIA costs because these individuals do not receive excessive salaries and rely on our support " Justice expressed during a briefing held by the administration earlier in the day in response to an inquiry, from WOWK reporter Mark Curtis.

As his term as governor nears its end and he transitions to his role as a Republican U.S Senator elect Justice shared some insights and recommendations, for the incoming administration during todays briefing.

Justice mentioned today that Jim is aware of the struggles our families face worldwide and their efforts to cope with them in every way as they strive to survive and thrive in challenging times as future leaders should empathetically acknowledge and understand these challenges.

Ultimately we should prioritize looking after. Backing our state employees by fully addressing and even exceeding their PEIA expenses or adjustments required to ensure their well being and financial stability.This is my suggestion; it is achievable with the expertise of individuals in business and proficient, in numerical analysis to develop a viable plan.

The elected governor Patrick Morrise recognized the issue and its potential impact, on the employment choices of public workers when he spoke about it in a debate last month.

During a debate at the end of last month Morrisey, who is a Republican expressed his support, for teachers. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that West Virginia can compete successfully with neighboring states to prevent the loss of teachers to other states.

"If you happen to be in Jefferson or Berkeley County and paying attention to whats going on with teachers moving to Loudoun County for a $30k raise – I've heard about that too!. In Monogalia County? Well you might see some folks heading over the line, for pay as well.Connecticut sure needs to step up its game when it comes to competition. Especially when it comes to keepingour teachers and first responders motivated and happyin their jobs."

Morrise concluded his remarks on the debate regarding insurance expenses and salaries for employees by stating that his administration would need to conduct a more, in depth analysis of the issue.

"It's crucial that our employees stay in our state than moving to other states " he mentioned during the discussion held last October 29."My suggestion is to ensure that our state employees receive fair compensation while considering the practices, in other states to maintain competitiveness."

At a public hearing, on Monday evening educators informed the PEIA Finance Board that they are unable to handle higher insurance expenses without receiving better compensation.

Courtney Arnold stressed the importance of addressing inflation and rising costs while considering the well being of individuals like herself as an art teacher in Cabell County. She emphasized the challenge of maintaining affordability amidst price hikes and expressed concerns, about peoples ability to afford living in the area if prices continue to rise steeply.

Arnold informed the board that if PEIAs existing proposal is implemented as is currently planned by the board members; they may contemplate exploring insurance options from neighboring states for coverage.

"I'm certified by the national board and I'd be willing to make the trip to Kentucky in that scenario " Arnold mentioned." West Virginia holds a place in my heart. My workplace is just a couple of miles away, from home and there are currently no intentions to relocate; however; this discussion is causing me quite a bit of unease."