April 2012

DPA Health Care Rates for 2012-13 (revised 4/26/2012)

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DPA has revised their health care rates for 2012-13 open enrollments and the employee contribution rates for the “employee + child(ren)” tiers have been reduced from the original proposal. All health care tiers should not be paying more for premiums in 2012-13. We offer a side-by-side comparison of the revised rates between 2011-12 and 2012-13.

Colorado WINS spent several days in active conversations with DPA leadership and many legislators who fought hard for an additional $15.2 million to put toward health care premiums. Thanks to emails and calls from employees across the state, we were able to relay stories of families who simply couldn’t bear the burden of increased premiums after years of eroding pay. 

DPA’s solution is not perfect as dental premiums will be increasing for 2012-13. Check out DPA’s Healthline newsletter for more information.

Open enrollment is Tuesday, May 1 – Wednesday, May 16, 2012. Unlike last year, this will be a passive enrollment (NOT mandatory) meaning that aside from certain coverage choices; your coverage will roll over into the new year. If you have any comments or concerns, contact the DPA Benefits Unit at benefits@state.co.us or 1-800-719-3434.
<br Qualified state employees can save on health care – apply now!

The state offers supplemental medical insurance to qualified low-income state employees with dependent children. Applications to receive supplemental insurance are due by May 23, 2012. Find out if your family qualifies at DPA’s special Healthline edition: Supplement Program.

Colorado WINS offers additional savings to members through our partnership with UnionPlus

UnionPlus’ Dental Discounts Program offers members discounts on dental care, vision care, prescription drugs, diabetic supplies, foot and ankle care and hearing care – at participating health care providers.

Thank you for your support of Colorado WINS as we fight to make our future brighter.

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Good news for state workers in Colorado state budget

Colorado WINS Executive Director Scott Wasserman gave the following statement on the 2012-13 Long Appropriations Bill passing the Senate on third reading:

“As Sen. Pat Steadman put it, this budget does right by our state employees. Thanks to ending the PERA cost shift, as well as no increase in their Health/Life/Dental costs for the first time in three years, state workers will have a little bit more in their take-home pay. This will be money they have for their families and the communities across Colorado that depend on state workers for their economic survival.

After four years of devastating cuts, freezes, and increased demand for services, it’s no exaggeration to say that the entire state workforce is in crisis. This year’s budget is a small step in the right direction towards addressing that crisis and the needs of our state employees and their families.”

If you’d like to know more about the provisions of the budget that Colorado WINS fought for, download this complete timeline of our actions. It shows when different provisions take effect as well as which ones are up for a vote in the November election.

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2.5% restored, health care intact, no layoffs!

Starting last summer, Colorado WINS members took action to restore their pay. The action paid off. With the 2.5% PERA cost shift restored and premium hikes absorbed, you will actually see more money in your paycheck starting this July, once the state budget passes without amendments.

A WIN FOR WORKERS!

Full funding for health, life, dental premiums

Due to our efforts, the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) voted on 3/29 that state employees will not have to carry the $15 million premium increase and the employee contribution for these premiums will not increase. This is the first time in at least 4 years that employees will not pay more for health care premiums.

Jobs saved

Colorado WINS opposed any layoffs and urged lawmakers to keep full
funding of the Health, Life and Dental premium increase. On March 29th, JBC members approved a 1% personal services reduction, exempting 24-hour (24/7) facilities, Public Safety and divisions with less than 20 FTE. This means that correctional facilities and DHS facilities will be held harmless and will experience no reductions. The
Governor’s office has made clear that other divisions that fall under the 1%
can manage the cuts without layoffs

Download a flyer to distribute at your worksite or a poster to hang on a bulletin board.

Obtenga un folleto en español sobre la victoria del presupuesto 2012-2013

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