Response to @NYCMayorsOffice After his Older Adult TownHall in Riverdale

Summary

Maryann from NYC's Public Service retirees addresses Mayor Adams' recent statements on Medicare Advantage at a town hall. She corrects misconceptions about the Health Stabilization Fund and criticizes the mayor's office for bad faith bargaining, urging him to support retirees and uphold traditional Medicare. Maryann calls for the mayor to act on the issue, protect promises made to retirees, and pass legislation to safeguard their benefits.

Takeaways

• 😀 Maryann from the NYC organization of Public Service retirees addresses the mayor's town hall for older adults in Riverdale, Bronx.
• 🗣️ A retiree questioned Mayor Adams about the Medicare Advantage plan and the withdrawal of support by MLC and UFT.
• 📝 Mayor Adams was said to be correct on some points but had errors that needed correction, particularly regarding the health stabilization fund.
• 💼 The health stabilization fund is meant for active workers and under 65 retirees, not for those above the benchmark plan, which is the HIP HMO plan.
• 🤔 Mayor Adams is accused of not acknowledging misrepresentations by his own Commissioners in OM and OLR about the suppression of the HIP rate.
• 🚫 Maryann challenges the practice of negotiating contracts funded by other unions or retirees, which she believes is an improper and bad faith bargaining.
• 📚 Retirees, under the New York Taylor Law, are not in unions and should not be involved in collective bargaining negotiations.
• 🏥 The health stabilization fund does not cover health insurance premiums for Medicare-eligible retirees, as their healthcare plan pays only 20%.
• 💰 Mayor Adams is criticized for wasting taxpayer dollars in court battles over retiree benefits, with the city losing nine times in court.
• 🔍 Maryann urges Mayor Adams to investigate and correct the actions of his office of Labor Relations and OMB, which she believes have acted in bad faith.
• 🗳️ She calls on Mayor Adams to support legislation protecting the promises made to retirees and to pass a resolution supporting traditional Medicare.

Q & A

What was the main issue discussed at the town hall for older adults in Riverdale, Bronx?

The main issue discussed was the Medicare Advantage plan and the concerns about the health care negotiations and the health stabilization fund.

What did the retiree ask Mayor Adams about regarding the Medicare Advantage plan?

The retiree asked Mayor Adams about the Medicare Advantage plan and informed him about the MLC and UFT walking back their support for the plan due to issues in the health care negotiations.

What is the health stabilization fund and who does it benefit?

The health stabilization fund pays for the health premium for active workers and under 65 retirees if they choose a plan above the benchmark, which is the HIP HMO plan.

What does the speaker believe is the role of the Mayor's Office of Labor Relations in the current situation?

The speaker believes that the Mayor's Office of Labor Relations, under the leadership of Renee Campon and Bob Lynn, has negotiated a suppression of the HIP rate, which is an improper practice and bad faith bargaining.

What was the issue with the United Federation of Teachers' contract negotiation in 2014?

In 2014, the United Federation of Teachers was encouraged by the Office of Labor Relations to give back to the citywide fund in order to get a raise, which the speaker considers as an improper practice and bad faith negotiation.

Why does the speaker believe that the city should not negotiate for retirees?

The speaker believes that retirees, under New York State law, are not in unions and therefore should not have their benefits negotiated by the city, as they have already made their deals and are entitled to their vested benefits.

What is the speaker's view on the current situation with the health care plan for Medicare-eligible retirees?

The speaker argues that the health stabilization fund does not pay health insurance premiums for Medicare-eligible retirees because the HIP HMO is much more expensive than what the city's health care plan pays for.

What does the speaker suggest Mayor Adams should do to gain the support of retirees?

The speaker suggests that Mayor Adams should stop the current practices, support the legislation to protect the promise made to retirees, and ensure that the city protects traditional Medicare.

What is the speaker's opinion on the current budget situation as described by Ken Godner?

The speaker believes that Ken Godner's description of a $50 million monthly loss is incorrect and that he is contributing to a false narrative of a budget hole.

What does the speaker want from Mayor Adams regarding the issue of traditional Medicare?

The speaker wants Mayor Adams to meet with them, understand the issues, and take action to protect the traditional Medicare benefits for retirees, as well as to pass legislation supporting these benefits.

What is the speaker's stance on Medicare Advantage and its impact on retirees?

The speaker is against Medicare Advantage, stating that it is not an advantage and that it has led to negative outcomes for retirees, such as denied skilled nursing care.