MEDIA RELEASE

MAY 29, 2009

CONTACT: JOSHUA SLAUGHTER
    Office:  (631) 852-1300
Cell:  (631) 456-1718
 Email: Joshua.Slaughter@suffolkcountyny.gov

STATE EYES CIVIL SERVICE LAW CHANGES TO GIVE
VOLUNTEERS ACCESS TO MUNICIPAL HEALTH PLANS

Foley and Ramos to Pursue Findings of Suffolk County Report

Mastic, NY – A recently released report by the Suffolk County Employee Medical Health Plan (EMHP) Labor Management Committee (Committee) pointed out several impediments that prevent emergency volunteers from accessing the County’s EMHP, but state officials have made a commitment to change the state law so that volunteers can access municipal medical plans offered by other municipalities, including towns.

The report, which was commissioned by Legislator Kate Browning (WF-Shirley), recommends changes to the Civil Service Law in order to give volunteers access to local municipal health plans. Senator Brian Foley (D-Blue Point) and Assemblyman Phil Ramos (D-Brentwood) said they will sponsor legislation that would amend the Civil Service Law and open the door for volunteers who have been fighting for the opportunity to get medical coverage through municipalities for decades.

A state law was passed in 2008 paving the way for emergency volunteers to buy into municipal health plans. The law amended General Municipal Law Section 92-a, and included volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers. Legislator Kate Browning acted on the opportunity to perhaps utilize the Suffolk County EMHP, and sponsored Resolution No. 839-08 that directed the EMHP Committee to review a proposal for incorporating emergency volunteers into the county plan.

The committee submitted its report on May 11, and the report outlined several problems with utilizing the county health plan. Since the EMHP is a collectively-bargained self-insurance plan, it does not offer group coverage rates whereas local towns can offer insured plans that do not have adverse impacts based on claims. The County EMHP, as a self-insured plan, must set rates directly related to claims to ensure there is enough money budgeted to pay for all the claims. To cover volunteers and set a rate that would have no impact on the collectively bargained EMHP would be impossible.

“I am committed to providing a discounted rate for our emergency volunteers,” stated Browning. “The County EMHP is not a viable option, but the report that resulted from my initiative has paved the way for our state officials to make it work for our local towns. Our volunteers deserve this, and it will go along way towards recruiting and retaining more members.”

Governor Patterson issued an “Approved Memorandum” raising several technical problems before the law could be implemented. One problem was the lack of guidance on which municipalities would be required to offer the volunteers insurance. More importantly the Governor raised the issue that Civil Service Law Section 163 was not amended and therefore there is no legal authority for volunteers to participate in the New York State Health Insurance Plan (NYSHIP). Most local municipalities utilize NYSHIP and would be unable to provide insurance to volunteers.

Senator Foley and Assemblyman Ramos have vowed to amend the Civil Service Law so that municipalities can offer insurance through their insured health plans. Legislation to amend Section 163 of the Civil Service Law is being drafted by both state representatives.

“Our emergency volunteers are the first line of defense in protecting our communities. It’s time we protect them by giving them access to quality, affordable healthcare,” said Senator Brian X. Foley (D – Blue Point). “I am pleased to work with all my colleges, especially Legislator Kate Browning, in helping our emergency volunteers buy into municipal health plans and get the healthcare coverage they clearly need and deserve.”

“Volunteer firefighters and emergency medical workers provide a critical service to our communities,” stated Assemblyman Phil Ramos (D-Central Islip), Chair of the Assembly Subcommittee on Volunteer Emergency Services. “They should be recognized and rewarded for the significant role they play by granting them the option of joining low-cost local health care plans. Unfortunately, legislation passed last year contains a number of impediments which prevent volunteer emergency workers from obtaining health care at the county level. I will work hard to resolve these unintended consequences and help ensure our volunteer emergency personnel have access to quality, affordable health care.”