GLADWIN, Mich. — Teachers and support staff at Gladwin Community Schools voted “overwhelmingly” to leave a union-backed health insurance plan in favor of a less expensive plan, the (Gladwin County) Record & (Beaverton) Clarion reported.
Calling it a “rare turn of events,” the Record & Clarion reported that the employees now will receive coverage through Priority Health of Grand Rapids. Previously they were covered by a plan provided by Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan and administered by the Michigan Educational Special Services Association. MESSA is affiliated with the Michigan Education Association, the parent union of the Gladwin employees.
Administrators also will be covered by Priority Health, according to the Record & Clarion.
SOURCE:
(Gladwin County) Record & (Beaverton) Clarion, “GHS
teachers, support staff opt out of union health insurance,” Dec. 14, 2010
FURTHER READING:
Mackinac Center for Public Policy, “Most School Health Care
Plans are Too Expensive for Michigan,” Feb. 9, 2010
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