JCAFT ACTION Newsletter

PEEHIP officials must think that they have such unlimited power that they can practice medicine without a license. They believe they can make better decisions regarding necessary medications than physicians who have known their patients for years. Recent changes in medical coverage for state education employees have resulted in JCAFT members having to change their prescriptions, pay the full cost of the drugs or do without their medications. In 2005, Governor Riley and AEA officials lobbied the legislature to give almost unlimited power

to the PEEHIP Board. This board is controlled by AEA BOSSES. Prior to the changes, the PEEHIP Board had only limited power to cut benefits and increase costs for employees. Major changes had to be approved by members of the legislature prior to the 2005 special session. Benefits employees have worked hard to maintain are quickly eroding without any notice to hardworking teachers and support staff.

JCAFT leaders have received numerous calls from members complaining about medications that are no longer being covered by PEEHIP Insurance plans. Employees’ doctors no longer decide which medications are best for their patients. Physicians must prescribe the cheapest medications available or insurance will not pay for the drugs. While JCAFT leaders believe in cutting costs, we question the erosion of benefits and the large drug co-payments employees are forced to pay. JCAFT members realize that the costs of benefits are skyrocketing. Many had rather pay $25.00 more each month in premiums when they are well, instead of being hit with tremendous costs during illnesses, when they can least afford to pay the increases. Unfortunately, no one asked employees for their input before the changes were made.

One JCAFT member needed a cholesterol lowering medication. Her insurance claim was denied. She tried a cheaper medication that had horrible side effects. She had to have extensive, invasive medical tests to determine the extent of her illness. The insurance company had to pay thousands of dollars for all the tests to save a few dollars in medication costs. Her doctor tried to help, but he was no match for the insurance company representatives who practiced medicine without a license. This employee had to pay all the co-pays for all the trial medications before an alternative was found. Eventually, she had to be placed back on her original medication.

Employees have given up pay raises in order to keep their benefits in place. Members call to complain that some of their medications are costing almost $100 per month for one prescription.

JCAFT is providing all members information on the back of this newsletter that may provide some financial help to many who cannot afford medications. The programs listed are funded by large drug companies. Over 450 programs are available to help people. Some programs assist people who have health insurance that is too expensive for them to afford their medications. JCAFT will continue to fight for our benefits. We need your support through your membership in the JCAFT