|
Shame on Lifespan!
Lifespan CEO George Vecchione is refusing to follow a new State law that allows children between the ages of 19 and 25 to remain on their parents’ health plan as long as they are enrolled in school either full-time or part-time. The previous law only required coverage of full-time students, and only until age 23.
Lifespan's arrogant decision is a slap in the face to its employees, and is an insult to policy-makers' efforts to reduce the high number of uninsured young Rhode Islanders.
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: Shame on Lifespan!
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
I am appalled that Lifespan is refusing to follow the new State law to extend health coverage to the children of its employees who are students between the ages of 19 and 25.
As the State's largest health care employer, I would expect you to be a role model in expanding access to health insurance for all Rhode Islanders -- particularly the children of your own employees!
I urge you to reconsider your shameful decision and to extend health insurance to your employees' children who are continuing their education beyond high school.
Sincerely,
|
Campaign Launched:
December 29, 2006
|
A new State law that takes effect on January 1, 2007 requires commercial health insurance plans to cover dependent students – whether full-time or part-time — until the age of 25. The previous law only required coverage of full-time students, and only until age 23.
HOWEVER, LIFESPAN HAS REFUSED TO PROVIDE THIS NEW BENEFIT TO ITS OWN EMPLOYEES.
Lifespan claims that it does not have to comply with the new law because its health plan is "self-insured". However, other self-insured employers are complying with this new law, and we believe that Lifespan employees and their children who are in college deserve health insurance just like the hundreds of thousands of other Rhode Islanders who will now be covered by the new law.
As the State’s largest health system and private sector employer, Lifespan’s refusal to conform with the new law is irresponsible, unethical, and unacceptable. Lifespan should be a leader – not an opponent – of efforts to expand health insurance coverage to all Rhode Islanders.
|
