Previously Published in The Messenger
By Cait Crudden
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) has achieved a landmark victory for taxpayers and county employees alike with the announcement of a groundbreaking healthcare agreement. The agreement, reached in collaboration with the Suffolk Coalition of Public Employees (SCOPE), the legal entity representing all Suffolk County employees and retirees for health care benefits, to extend health care benefits for employees, is projected to save taxpayers a staggering $100 million over a five-year period while simultaneously enhancing and expanding healthcare benefits for county employees as well as reducing copays. This historic accord marks a significant milestone in Suffolk County’s ongoing efforts to prioritize fiscal responsibility and employee retention.
The Suffolk County Executive’s Office unveiled the details of the comprehensive healthcare agreement, emphasizing its far-reaching implications for both taxpayers and county workers.
“This agreement is significant to our taxpayers as we achieve significant cost-savings in the amount of $100 million,” said Romaine. “Not only is this agreement fiscally sound and beneficial to streamline County operations but provides enhanced benefits for county workers that are more affordable and will help us to attract and retain our valuable employees.”
The agreement, negotiated with input from all county unions representing a diverse array of public employees, introduces a series of cost-saving measures designed to alleviate the financial burden on taxpayers without compromising the quality of healthcare services provided to county employees. Among the key provisions of the agreement is a reduction in copays for county workers primary care physicians effective July 1, 2024, making healthcare more affordable and accessible to those who serve the residents of Suffolk County. Beginning on January 1, 2025, the Employee Medical Health Plan (EMHP) will transition its third-party administrator services to Aetna, leading to the $100 million in program savings and providing employees with more expanded in-network providers and lower administrative fees for the County.
Romaine underscored the importance of prioritizing the well-being of county employees. The agreement also includes measures aimed at curbing healthcare costs and promoting fiscal sustainability within Suffolk County.
By implementing strategic reforms and leveraging the collective bargaining power of county unions, Romaine and his administration have succeeded in achieving substantial cost savings while maintaining the integrity of healthcare services provided to county employees.
SCOPE President, Louis Civello praised the collaborative approach taken by the Suffolk County Executive and officials in negotiating the healthcare agreement, highlighting the tangible benefits it will deliver to both employees and taxpayers.
“County Executive Romaine is giving a master class in good government. He was able to save county taxpayers tens of millions of dollars, retain senior employees, and improve healthcare for all county workers,” said Civello. “We applaud his efforts and look forward to continued collaboration between management and labor”.
As County Executive Romaine heralds the success of this historic healthcare agreement, the stage is set for continued collaboration and progress in the pursuit of fiscal responsibility and employee well-being.
With innovative solutions and a commitment to partnership, Suffolk County stands poised to lead by example in navigating the complex challenges of healthcare affordability and sustainability.