MEA Votes

Think that HB 5345, the proposed mandatory health plan for public employees, will save hundreds of millions of dollars and ensure everyone has coverage? Well, you might want to think again, based on experiences in New Jersey and North Carolina.

House Speaker Andy Dillon today announced his plans for a single, statewide health insurance plan for Michigan public employees that includes all school employees. Despite the lack of proof that such a plan would save any money, Dillon claims his plan could save as much as $900 million a year.

This ill-advised plan would put Michigan bureaucrats in charge of the health care for school employees and their families. Especially amidst our state budget crisis, now isn’t the time for a massive government-run experiment in health care.

Check out the Detroit Free Press coverage of Dillon’s proposal and MEA’s press release.

Let us know what you think! And make sure to make your feelings known to Speaker Dillon and your representative in Lansing.

Guest post by JoAnn Bird, MEA-Retired (Muskegon)

With 47,000,000 Americans uninsured and the cost of health care constantly rising, it is obvious that families cannot afford to purchase their own health care coverage, or they would!

Far too many Michiganders are being forced to make dangerous decisions. They are choosing to overlook, ignore, or treat themselves instead of seeking the help of a physician. Why? Overwhelmingly many of them can’t afford it!

It is a dilemma that threatens society as we know it. Here’s what I think is at the center of it all.