OSEA lobbies for PEBB/OEBB double coverage bill
OSEA is working with other public sector unions to pass legislation allowing employees to keep double coverage through the Oregon Educators Benefit Board (OEBB) and Public Employees’ Benefit Board (PEBB).
During the 2017 session, the Oregon Legislature passed a cost containment bill (Senate Bill 1067) that, among other things, eliminated double coverage through PEBB and OEBB starting July 1, 2019.
Last week, OSEA Government Relations Specialist Soren Metzger submitted testimony to the House Business and Labor Committee in favor of House Bill 4123. This bill would allow existing employees to keep their dual coverage; however, this option would not be available for anyone hired after Jan. 1, 2020.
“OSEA believes this bill is necessary to retain skilled workers in the public sector and allows existing employees to keep the health insurance they already have to meet their health care needs,” Metzger said.
Along with her testimony, Metzger submitted a letter from Debbie Hanna, a member of Hood River Chapter 9. In her letter, Hanna told the committee that double coverage was the only way her family could afford medical care for her daughter, who was born with a complex congenital heart condition and has been through three open heart surgeries.
“We are not trying to take advantage of taxpayer dollars,” Hanna wrote. “We are simply making a financial decision for our family that helps to offset the large out-of-pocket costs that we incur year after year. … Please continue to allow both my husband and myself to take care of our families (sic) medical needs.”
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