State retirees, legislators and other Delawareans, disgruntled over a move from traditional Medicare into a Highmark Medicare Advantage plan, rallied in protest recently. The group Retirees Investing in Social Equity Delaware (RISE Delaware) and former state Sen. Karen Peterson filed a lawsuit against the state over the change. How should leaders proceed with this endeavor?
- They paid into Medicare for all their working years, and the state wants to take that federal benefit away. Each state retiree should be permitted the option to choose between the current Medicare supplement or the Advantage plan. — Dave Johnson
- As a retired state employee, I am against this change. We were sold out by the governor in a cost-saving move, with no input or voting power. We were given a short period of time to try and seek an alternative. Not much of an advanced warning. The governor’s position was take it or leave it. I think the retired employees will suffer with this three-year contract. Not a very good way to treat valued employees. — Vincent J. Deskiewicz Sr.
- I guess I’m not understanding the complaint. Coverage may not be optimum, but most employers don’t cover retirees. Heck, few even cover spouses anymore while you are employed. My sister recently retired from a public service job in another, much larger state, and they don’t cover retiree Medicare. OK, you served the state and maybe didn’t make a high-paying salary like a private company, but that was a choice. Where does the money come from to keep covering ever-rising medical costs? There is only so far taxes can go. — Nabeela Jeanne Black Swartz
- Retirees should be entitled to the same choices and options as current employees. It is insulting and downright criminal to just tell us what the office wants us to have, so that they can save a few dollars and force us to go through a ridiculous preauthorization process. Additionally, many doctors won’t accept this insurance, and Delaware is a small state, so it’s not like we can shop around. I am furious about it and the lack of action from our government. I fully support RISE Delaware. And I vote. — Rebecca Stiers Tholstrup
