Season 2 Episode 15: Health Mitigation Fund
Recently, we were with United Teachers of Lowell colleagues when President Paul Georges was speaking to the group about the Health Insurance Mitigation and Trust funds, and the history behind how using those funds provides our Members with some relief from the spiraling cost of health care. It’s a fascinating aspect of our Union history, and one that might be a surprise to most active members. The UTL has been working for ways to lessen the effect of changes to GIC from our previous health insurance plan.
A unique benefits offered UTL members as well as other City of Lowell employees has been access to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement or HRA. At the end of this podcast, we’ll link to the City of Lowell’s Human Relations Department website which houses the forms and information needed to file claims with the HRA provider, Ultrabenefits. We’ll also link to last year’s podcast Episode 15 with Ultrabenefit’s Marybeth Casey explaining how this benefit works.
As you will hear, our Union has been advocating for all of us - active and retired members - so that the switch from our former health insurance plan to Group Insurance Commission offerings did not leave members and their families vulnerable to catastrophic health care costs. There may be changes in our future, but one thing remains constant: our Union leaders advocate for all of us!
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
The City of Lowell’s Human Relations Department has an extensive webpage dedicated not only to the Health Reimbursement Arrangement, but many other benefits afforded to City of Lowell employees. Visit them at https://www.lowellma.gov/168/Human-Relations.
Ultrabenefits is the administrator of the City’s Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). Information about this plan can also be access here.
Last year, we spoke with Ultrabenefits Mary Beth Casey about the HRA. You can listen to Mary Beth’s podcast recording, Season 1 Episode 15, here.
Thanks to Paul for explaining how advocacy of our City Unions led not only to the creation of a Health Insurance Trust Fund, but also the Mitigation Fund that benefits all members and retirees today.
Thank you for tuning in to this Episode of Straight Talk. We hope that if you enjoy what you hear, you’ll consider subscribing to our podcast using Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. As always, we welcome your general comments and feedback. If you have suggestions for future podcast topics or if you are aware of a UTL495 member who might be willing to share experiences or expertise, send us an email at utlstraighttalk@gmail.com.
