Union blasts PASSHE plan to up health care costs

The State System of Higher Education plans to cut its expenses by requiring some employees to contribute more toward to their health care coverage, sparking criticism from a union representing university faculty members.

The changes, which will take effect Jan. 1, are expected to save the system about $3.5 million per year, PASSHE said. Approximately 15 percent of the system's employees will be affected, including managers, administrators, health center nurses and campus police.

Depending on their level of coverage, employees will be required to pay about $3 to $14 more per pay period toward the cost of their insurance, between $5 and $14 more per prescription, plus a $250 deductible.

PASSHE said the changes, which will take effect Jan. 1, will more closely align the system's coverage with that provided by other colleges in Pennsylvania and across the nation.

Chancellor Frank T. Brogan said in a news release Monday that the "modestly higher rates" will help the state system reduce costs and preserve educational opportunities for students.

Kenneth M. Mash, president of the faculty union, the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties, called the plan "outrageous," saying it will dramatically increase health care costs and cut benefits for its non-union staff who "have no means to stand up for themselves."

"Today state system officials demonstrated how they are willing to treat staff who have devoted their lives to our universities," Mash wrote  on the union's blog. 

PASSHE said that its 14 universities have trimmed $300 million from their operating budgets over the last 10 years and that the health care changes are a continuation of that effort.

APSCUF represents about 5,500 faculty and coaches at state universities, including Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock and West Chester.

Source: Central Penn Business Journal