The quality of workers’ benefits has a huge influence on their well‐being. At bargaining tables across the country, benefits, especially extended health and dental benefits, are under attack. Faced with large increases in health costs, employers are demanding concessions in existing benefits. In collaboration with insurance companies, they are developing new and creative ways to erode benefit plans.
Group extended health and dental benefit plans work. They allow everyone to contribute a little so all members can access the benefits when they need them. Group benefit plans are also accessible; they do not require pre-screening. Group coverage also has the advantage of economies of scale, meaning costs are cheaper when spread across a large group.
This Bargaining extended health and dental benefits kit is designed to provide information that can help staff and members protect and improve their current plan. It will help you better understand employers’ benefits proposals and offer constructive, and more employee-friendly alternatives to employer cost‐saving proposals.