Retired city workers take to the streets to fight for health care benefits

This would switch the retirees from their current public Medicare plan that includes a supplement to a privatized Medicare Advantage Plan in an agreement with the city and Aetna.

Adolfo Carrion

Mar 10, 2023, 1:18 AM

Updated 585 days ago

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New York City Municipal retirees rallied on Thursday as the city votes to move to a partially privatized Medicare plan for retired city workers.  
This would switch the retirees from their current public Medicare plan that includes a supplement to a privatized Medicare Advantage Plan in an agreement with the city and Aetna.  
Michael Jarvey is one of hundreds who rallied today to fight for the traditional Medicare he expected to have for the rest of his life.  
“I would be fully covered… I wouldn’t have to worry about paying for medications and seeing doctors as well,” said the retiree, who is worried about the financial backlash of the potential change.  
Sarah Shapiro represents cross-union retirees and says that the potential change to her healthcare is devastating.  
“It makes me feel so angry,” said Shapiro. “So angry, and so disrespected after so many years of service and dedication to this city.” 
Mayor Eric Adams says the plan approved today is an improvement for retirees and includes a lower deductible. Retirees are still calling for new legislation that will protect their traditional Medicare benefits.