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MEA strongly opposes HB 5345, which proposes a mandatory state-run health plan for all public employees, including school employees. Any public employer -- like school districts, universities, community colleges, counties, cities, townships and other local governmental entities -- could only offer insurance from a limited number of plans chosen by the state. The so-called Michigan Health Benefits Program is currently being considered by the Public Employee Health Care Reform Committee, a special committee set up solely to consider this legislation by House Speaker Andy Dillon (D-Redford).

December 3, 2009 - A special state panel considering House Bill 5345, the proposed mandatory state-run health plan for public employees, is going back to square one, trying to collect data to support claims that the scheme will save hundreds of millions of dollars.

When House Speaker Andy Dillon, D-Redford Township, unveiled the legislation six months ago, he said the state could save hundreds of millions of dollars on public employee health care by “standardizing” benefits, finding efficiencies, and eliminating collective bargaining rights.

MEA member, Lori Spotts, testifies at hearing

October 28, 2009 - A Tecumseh teacher and union leader testified before the House Public Employee Health Care Reform Committee Thursday, urging lawmakers to oppose House Bill 5345. Lori Spotts, president of the Tecumseh Education Association, told the panel that school employees understand the economic climate in Michigan and that a state-run health plan isn't necessary.

"I know there is the perception that teachers benefits are the 'gold standard' and that these benefits are costing the districts more and more each year," Spotts said. "However, that perception is not accurate."

Collective bargaining allows districts and employees to do what House Bill 5345 would like to mandate, she said, " the difference is that we are negotiating our benefits and the cost to each of our members."

All available video from Oct. 28th hearing.

October 28, 2009 - A panel considering House Bill 5345, the proposal for a mandatory state government-run health plan, meets again Thursday. MEA members, leaders and staff plan to attend the hearing; check back for the latest news updates.

And, don't forget to stay in touch with your state legislators on this important topic. Make calls, send e-mails and texts, or schedule a meeting with your elected leaders -- ask about the latest developments, urge them to oppose House Bill 5345, and share your story. Lawmakers need to hear from you!

October 22, 2009 - The House panel considering House Bill 5345, the proposal for a mandatory state government-run health plan, met again Thursday.

Members of the Public Employee Health Care Reform Committee heard from Cindy Nayer, president and CEO of the Center for Health Value Innovation; Mark Frederick, co-director of the Center for Value Based Insurance Design with the University of Michigan; Keith Bruhnsen, assistant director of benefits and manager of the Prescription Drug Program at the University of Michigan; and Dan Gilmartin, executive director and CEO, and Samantha Jones Harkins, legislative associate for the Michigan Municipal League. Their testimony and all video from the hearing is available.

The next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 29. MEA is scheduled to provide testimony.

Watch video of Thursday's testimony from Flanagan. Where's the savings?

September 17, 2009 - State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan testified Thursday before a House panel considering House Bill 5345, a proposed mandatory state-run health plan for public employees. Asked if forcing workers into a state-run insurance program would save $900 million, as purported by bill sponsor Rep. Andy Dillon, Flanagan pegged the savings as “between zero and $900 million.”

Related:

Speaking with the voice of a teacher and father, Brit Satchwell, president of the Ann Arbor Education Association, testifies at the Sept. 10 hearing at the Capitol.
Union leaders promote collective bargaining rights

September 10, 2009 - House committee meetings delayed the start of the Sept. 10 hearing of the Public Employee Health Care Reform Committee. But it was certainly worth the wait to hear the testimony of Brit Satchwell, Ann Arbor Education Association President. He had the attention of committee members as he questioned the plan’s primary focus on costs, while it dismissed the cost containment measures employees have already bargained with their employers. Listen to his testimony.

Echoing Satchwell’s testimony, Phillip Thompson, president of the SEIU Michigan State Council, spoke to the importance of continuing to allow collective bargaining between employers and employees determine the best health care plan for them.

Watch video from the Sept. 8 hearing.

Experts say health care plan needs more data

September 8, 2009 - A special state panel considering the Michigan Health Benefits Program met Sept. 8. The next public hearing of the Michigan Public Employee Health Care Reform Committee is Sept. 10.

At the Sept. 8 hearing, the committee heard from Phil Powers, president of the Center for Michigan; Mitch Bean, director of the House Fiscal Agency; and Charles Ballard, a professor at Michigan State University. They raised questions about the proposal, sponsored by House Speaker Andy Dillon, D-Redford Township. They said more study is needed to determine what savings, if any, are possible by putting all public employees under the same health care plan.

September 3, 2009 - A state committee created by Speaker Andy Dillon (D-Redford Township) held its first public hearing Thursday on the Michigan Health Benefits Program, a mandatory plan being proposed for all state, municipal and school employees. MEA members came out in force to show opposition to the plan, which would take away many of our local bargaining rights and force massive health care cuts on our members in order to produce the kind of savings the plan promises.

After a brief introduction by Speaker Dillon and his health care expert, Kate Kohn-Parrott, committee members had several questions and concerns. You can watch video of the first hearing Q & A with Kohn-Parrott. Pay special attention to what she says when asked about who bears responsibility for unfunded retiree liabilities, cost shifting to employees and what this does to collective bargaining across the state.

Related:

Make your voice heard on the MEA Votes Blog or MEA's Facebook page

A look into the crystal ball: Taxpayers on the hook for state-run health plans

Salters in Detroit News: Michigan teachers already sacrifice for students (pdf)

Experts say health care plan needs more data

Read testimony of Brit Satchwell, President of Ann Arbor EA

Dillon’s state-mandated health plan for public employees unveiled

MEA continues to monitor state-run health plan proposal

Get the facts about Dillon's plan - Go inside the numbers

Tips for communicating with legislators about Dillon's scheme

Key messages in talking with colleagues, friends and neighbors

MEA Press Release: Dillon health care plan: numbers don’t add up