PSC Raises Key Issue in Hearing on Aetna Medicare Advantage Contract

“We were surprised to discover that the Aetna contract provides an option for retires to stay in traditional Medicare, with a supplemental plan paid for by the City.  Retirees and their unions have been told otherwise for months: that the Medicare supplemental plan (Senior Care for most retirees) had to be eliminated, or Aetna would not provide their Medicare Advantage program. This was reasserted in the March 9 meeting at which the Municipal Labor Committee voted to okay the contract. Now we learn that one of the most important provisions of the contract was misrepresented.  The City has a moral obligation to elect the option, expressly permitted by the contract, to preserve the option for retirees to retain traditional Medicare plus a supplemental plan, paid for by the City, as they have for decades. PSC will continue to fight for that option for NYC retirees. In its proposals to the Mayor and the City Council, the PSC has identified funds that could cover the cost of this option.” Read the full testimony.

Every speaker at the hearing opposed the Aetna Medicare Advantage contract. Davis was the only labor leader to testify.  Every other speaker was a NYC retiree.

Reas PSC’s letter to NYC Council mmbers about :Option C.”   in the Aetna Medicare Advantage contract, which would allow for the continuation of free Senior Care.