GARFIELD Gleanings
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The last two columns I wrote were upbeat and positive, as well they should have been. We are happy to see the construction of the new extension of Garfield campus, even if it is a bit messy now. We’re proud of all our faculty who receive awards. Don’t think, however, that I’ve been skipping through the fields of flowers while adjuncts lost pay, health care costs skyrocket, winter session was cut down, and colleagues were cleaning mud from their lovely hilltop homes. I just held off, because I was, for a change, optimistic that the new folks in Washington would at least help us out of this health care mess. But the reality is that it’s pessimism, not optimism, that is more realistic. I’m not talking about issues that pertain just to Garfield faculty, but since 90% are adjunct, I think it’s fair to discuss some issues here. I want to bring up two: the unaffordable health care offered to couples or families and the public attacks on STRS for adjuncts, by means of ballot propositions or initiatives.
We were all waiting patiently for the big health care reform while the economy went to pot, and now those adjuncts who desperately need affordable health insurance are once again out in the cold. Glendale receives only 6% from the state for adjunct health insurance. A short while back, it was 50%. A few years ago, the full-time faculty graciously donated their Blue Shield refund to help cover adjunct costs, but that sum is rapidly dwindling. This past year there was another large rebate, but times are different, and full-timers decided to give those funds to help the general budget deficit of the college as a whole, so no more money can be expected from that source for adjunct health benefits. Meanwhile, the changes in medical coverage have changed radically, due to a dramatic decrease in state funding. Where once, members could expect 50% coverage, they are now looking at something like 6%. Similarly, coverage for dependents has become expensive and complicated.
Not all those who took out Glendale’s health benefits are in the hole. The Guild arranged that individuals get a reduction of $250 (maximum $3000) from their monthly fees for Blue Shield membership. This means they pay approximately $235.51 from their salary. I believe this is a reasonable and affordable fee, although some faculty members said that it was too high. Of course, if your classes have been cut to just a few hours a week, even that is not affordable. But if, heaven help us, you actually need insurance for your kids, spouse or partner, the price skyrockets. The college still chips in $250/mo but no additional money for dependents on the policy, so the price triples or quadruples.
Right now there are two plans. At last count, according to Menchie Braza, the 5 plan has a high monthly premium, $886.72/mo for ten months for a couple, and a whopping $1451.75/ month for a family. Deduct the contribution from the District and it is still about $739/per paycheck for a couple and $1282/per paycheck for a family. The second plan, the 40, has a much lower monthly fee, but includes $40 visit fees and 40% fees for hospitalization. The maximum out-of-pocket is more or less the same for both programs. The cost for a couple in the 40 program after the $250 reduction is $436.08 per paycheck and $788.78 for a family. But how many doctor’s visits, tests, etc. at $40 or 40% out-of-pocket, is a family going to have in a year? Most likely many, so this will be no bargain either. The Garfield members who have complained to me about the high cost of this insurance did not believe that the 40 program would save their families any money. Imagine, having your health insurance jump from about $8,000 in 2008 to $12,820 in 2010—to be balanced, of course, on a pay cut of 3.76%, which all adjunct took.
With all the class cuts, of course, many faculty have completely lost the ability to buy any health insurance through the college, since they may be teaching less than a 40% load. I only know of one potential case related to Garfield, and that was luckily solved. Because this is a state-wide epidemic among adjuncts, FACCC stepped in and organized health insurance through Kaiser, open to any adjunct faculty member. But Kaiser’s plan is based on age, and as high as the plan at Glendale is, those who are over 55 would actually be expected to pay more through FACCC’s Kaiser program. (If you are younger, you should check this out. It might be a better plan.) I have tried to suggest alternatives, but so far was simply told that there are no funds. There must be a way to offer affordable health insurance to all who need it, not just to those who insure only themselves. Right now, I know many families who are struggling to figure out how to pay for health insurance and are jeopardizing their own, or their family’s health in the effort. If the federal government isn’t able to do anything in the near future, we have to take care of ourselves—we need not just health insurance, but affordable health insurance. |
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