Delaware representative forms organization to fight state's change to a Medicare Advantage Plan

By Joseph Edelen
Posted 8/30/22

To oppose the move to a Medicare Advantage Plan for state pensioners, Rep. John Kowalko, D-Newark, and New Castle County 5th District Councilwoman Lisa Diller are teaming up to form Retirees Investing in State Equity Delaware (RiseDelaware).

You must be a member to read this story.

Join our family of readers for as little as $5 per month and support local, unbiased journalism.


Already a member? Log in to continue.   Otherwise, follow the link below to join.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Delaware representative forms organization to fight state's change to a Medicare Advantage Plan

Posted

To oppose the move to a Medicare Advantage Plan for state pensioners, Rep. John Kowalko, D-Newark, and New Castle County 5th District Councilwoman Lisa Diller are teaming up to form Retirees Investing in State Equity Delaware (RISE Delaware).

The organization is dedicated to advocating for and informing state retirees about the change from the previous Medicfill Medicare Supplement Plan to the Medicare Advantage Plan, scheduled Jan. 1, 2023.

“There are about 30,000 retirees and dependents affected,” Rep. Kowalko said. “These retirees paid into the system, and now, the rug is being pulled out from under them. They are being told that nothing is going to change with their plan. How can anyone say this with a straight face? The state of Delaware is trying to balance this long-underfunded benefits deficit, one that officials have known about for years, on the backs of their retirees, at the same time proposing an expansion to Legislative Hall and a parking garage.”

While officials claim they were transparent about the change, Rep. Kowalko said that, with such specialized information, retirees might not have known where to find meetings regarding the transition. The plan was approved by the General Assembly when it signed off on the budget bill for the upcoming fiscal year.

“State legislators could demand that this contract be put on hold and investigate the matter,” he added. “They need to do their own research and not to trust canned email responses crafted by the administration for their constituents.”

Members and subscribers make this story possible.
You can help support non-partisan, community journalism.

x
X