HPAE member alert: health plan changes

The Union leadership at Palisades Medical Center, Harborage, Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Southern Ocean Medical Center were notified that Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) is planning to increase costs on the Health Care Plans at all their facilities.

Management changes to health insurance:

• Premiums will be increased by 8%.  The share of the premium will not change.
• Deductibles on the premium and premium plus plans will double.
• Deductibles for the dental PPO will double.
• The only improvement on the plan is a $30 copay (no deductible) for in-network urgent care facilities.

All of the Union proposals to offset the increased costs were summarily rejected by HMH administration.

These unilateral increases will discourage members from getting the health care that they deserve. Therefore the Union officers have no other option other than to file a grievance, proceed to arbitration and take all other legal actions including filing a ULP (Unfair Labor Practice).

Open enrollment has been extended til November 27th, 2019. We encourage all members to take part in that.

Please share this information with your co-workers and document your out of pocket health insurance costs.

Stay tuned and please notify your Local Union of concerns or call 201-262-5005.

In solidarity,

Sandra White, President, Local 5097 Harborage

Mickie Miquiabas, President, Local 5030 Palisades Medical Center

Anna Pona, President, Local 5138 Southern Ocean Medical Center

Adam Witt, President, Local 5058 Jersey Shore University Medical Center