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Wages and Benefits Updated 9/6/11 We realize that the University is facing
challenges. Enrollment is down at CW
Post and the satellite campuses have also taken a hit. Brooklyn is the true bright spot in the
picture! These
issues, along with the economic uncertainties facing everyone, have put the
University in tight position, a position only exacerbated by a quarter of a
century of stagnant leadership! We are willing to work with the
University to weather the storm, but, so far, their long term plan is to
continue to feed the beast (University Center) with the flesh of the workers
while hoping that someone enrolls! We
are willing to work for the common good, but will not consent to having the
budget balanced on our backs! University Healthcare Proposal The
University has made a 2 part proposal on healthcare: ·
Consolidation
of Plans to Save Money (Good!) ·
Making
Us Pay More Anyway (Bad!) Consolidation: As was announced by President
Steinberg, the University is actively seeking to consolidate its present smorgasbord
of 7 health insurance plans under 4 carriers to a 3-tiered coverage under one
carrier. Although the health insurance
agreement between the University and the insurance company only becomes
official effective in January 1, 2012, it appears that Cigna will be the
carrier of choice. Briefly, the three tiers of the new plan
are identical in coverage and in the network of providers and differ only in
the amount of money charged for drugs, co-payments and the out-of-pocket
yearly maximum, as detailed below. The
level and quality of services available through these new plans was designed
based upon the main existing plans.
Essentially, the Core plan is equivalent to the present Oxford Gold,
Option 1 is based upon both the present Oxford Freedom and Cigna POS plans,
and Option 2 mirrors the current Cigna PPO plan. Additionally, the Cigna network is
extensive and it was found that there is over 95% overlap in providers
between Cigna and the Oxford; the present insurer of the majority of the
faculty. Click below to see a detailed comparison of current plans as
compared to the new, proposed coverage; 1)
Oxford Gold, HIP and Aetna vs.
the “Core” Plan 2)
Oxford Freedom and Cigna POS
vs. “Buy-Up 1” This consolidation saves many millions of dollars in premiums
over and above remaining with the current assortment of plans. These savings on the TOTAL PREMIUM are
detailed below, with 2012 premium numbers (effective 1/1/12) based on actual
quotes provided by that Administration and ensuing years estimating a 10%
premium increase per year for both scenarios.
Total premiums are based, with respect to the existing plans, on
actual current enrollments provided by the Administration. Enrollments in the consolidated plan are
estimated based on everyone migrating at the same level of coverage, (ie, Oxford Freedom moves to “Buy-up 1”, Oxford Gold moves
to “Base”, etc.)
University
Wage and Benefits Offer
1) Lump-sum payments do not
accrue to base and are not eligible for TIAA-CREF contributions 2) Tuition Revenue – Percent
change, year over year, of gross tuition revenue, before scholarship
deductions 3) University will assume LIUFF
dental plan at same level of coverage 4) Fund for travel and other
professional and research activities available to full-time and adjunct
faculty These “non-accruing lump sum payments” DO NOT get applied to base
salary. They ARE NOT a raise, they do
not compound. Unfortunately, the rise
in cost of living does! Effect of change in healthcare premium percentage
payments:
The University wants
to tie us in to a 5 year, emergency powers act contract. We are not opposed to a GOOD long term
deal, but in this time of emergency, three years seems to be quite sufficient
to straighten things out! |
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