Ulster County News

FROM: ULSTER COUNTY PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE

DATE: July 21, 2004 

Legislator Robert Aiello, R-Saugerties, who chairs the Ulster County Personnel/Human Services Committee, has announced that a health insurance plan with considerable savings for county retirees is proving to be successful. "While it has been somewhat difficult to provide this information to eligible retirees, changes have been made that are proving to be successful," said Aiello.

The policy, offered by Tony Nardo of Mutual of Omaha, provides a policy that "is an addition to what the county already has available, but as a secondary to Medicare, it comes with no deductibles or co-pays and is structured to be compatible with Medicare and any changes to Medicare," Aiello added.

During the approximate six months the plan has been available, the sign-up rate of those who have responded has been about 50 percent. Aiello said the plan is saving families about $3,000.00 annually while individuals are realizing savings of about $1,500.00.

Despite the ongoing success of the plan, Aiello said, "This plan is new to the retirees compared to group HMO’s, and given the reluctance to deal with change, the results thus far are very encouraging and beneficial to not only the retiree, but the county."

According to Aiello, he and Personnel Officer Randall Roth have taken steps providing retirees with quarterly reminders, as this plan has no open enrollment period, "allowing members to sign on at any time." Nardo took the opportunity to thank Barry Greco, Ulster County Employee Benefits Administrator, and Patricia Draut, Associate Employee Benefits Administrator, for their help. Aiello said the Personnel Department is taking steps that would provide employee-friendly access to information about this and other benefit information. County retirees can get more information by calling the Personnel Department at 340-3535.