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The American Federation of Government Employees expresses grave concern at the announcement by the Office of Personnel Management that premiums under FEHBP would be rising by an average of 8.8% in 2010.

Lost in the announced average is the fact that for 60% of the enrollees in FEHBP, those covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield Standard Option, their premiums will be going up by 15% for self coverage and 12% for family coverage. To add insult to injury, enrollees will not only have to pay much higher premiums, they will have to pay a higher share of premiums, as FEHBP’s formula allows the government to shift an increasing share of costs onto enrollees every time a plan’s premiums go up by more than the average. In 2010, the government will pay just 67% of the standard option’s family premium, down from 69% last year.

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

As a federal employee and a proud member of the American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO, I'm shocked and gravely concerned about the announcement yesterday that FEHPB premiums will increase an average of 8.8% in 2010. This is one more sign that America's health care system is broken.

Even worse, the report by OPM found that federal employees covered by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Standard Option - which covers 60% of the enrollees in FEHBP - will see an increase of 15% for self coverage and 12% for family coverage. That means starting in January of 2010, employees with self coverage will pay $10.62 more a pay period, or $20.48 more per paycheck under the family coverage plan

This can't go on. I urge you to support a comprehensive health insurance plan that includes: -A quality Medicare-style public health insurance option that will keep private companies honest; -A requirement for employers to pay their fair share; -Strong regulations that prevent insurance companies from denying coverage or refusing to pay for care; and, -Effective measures to bring down costs for everyone, including federal employees and retirees in FEHBP.

I look forward to hearing where you stand on this important issue.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
September 30, 2009