Call to Action: Let OHSU Know What You Think About Benefits Cost Increases!
OHSU Announces Plans for Large Out-of-Pocket Cost Increases to Benefits
At the most recent Employee Benefits Council (EBC), OHSU management announced plans to increase out-of-pocket costs for all employees starting in 2025. This move, which unfortunately builds on their recent denial of requests for coverage of over-the-counter medications, increases in fertility benefits, and coverage of weight loss medications, has raised significant concerns regarding the affordability of our benefits and ever climbing costs that we are unable and unwilling to continue to absorb.
Rising Out-of-Pocket Costs
The plan to increase out-of-pocket costs for employees comes as part of OHSU's efforts to manage rising healthcare expenses. However, we are worried that these changes will disproportionately impact lower-wage workers who already struggle to afford healthcare costs. The increased expenses will make it more challenging for employees to access necessary medical care, potentially compromising their health and well-being. Many of our lowest paid workers are also the most essential to the healthcare mission, meaning this could have a trickle down effect for the entire community.
Financial Strain on Employees
The financial strain of increased healthcare costs will be felt by all employees, regardless of their income level. Higher out-of-pocket expenses can lead to employees deferring medical treatments, foregoing prescriptions, or even opting out of certain benefits altogether. This can negatively impact employee morale and productivity.
Call to Action:
Attend the upcoming Board of Directors meeting: Friday, April 19th at the Robertson Life Sciences Building (RLSB). The meeting will take place in Room 3A001 on the 3rd floor at 1 pm.
Email Benefits@ohsu.edu: Let the benefits management team know what an increase in the out-of-pocket costs of your benefits would mean to you!
Attend the upcoming Benefits Town Hall: slotted for early June, we will keep everyone posted on when and where this will occur.
This is your opportunity to express your views on the proposed changes and advocate for a more equitable benefits plan. Let's come together and make our voices heard for a fair and just resolution!