Delaware judge blocks efforts to change healthcare plans for state retirees
DOVER, Del. – A Delaware judge on Wednesday blocked efforts by the state to transition retirees and their dependents to Medicare Advantage healthcare plans.
Superior Court Judge Calvin Scott issued the ruling Wednesday afternoon, implementing a stay as a result of a lawsuit that was filed earlier this year by RISE Delaware, a group that was formed to assist state retirees in their fight against the change in healthcare coverage.
Pensioners originally had until October 24 to opt-out of their state healthcare plans, which meant that they would have to choose a plan offered by private insurers in the marketplace. The latest ruling pauses that deadline pending future court litigation.
Delaware lawmakers were quick to react to the ruling, issuing statements in both chambers of the Delaware legislature.
Senate President Pro Tempore Dave Sokola, Senate Majority Leader Bryan Townsend, and Senate Majority Whip Elizabeth Lockman issued a statement earlier today in support of the court’s decision:
“Our number one concern is the health and welfare of State pensioners,” the statement from Senate leadership read. “After hearing the concerns of State retirees, we requested a pause in the Carney Administration’s planned transition to a new, privately managed health care system. Now that a pause has been ordered by the Delaware Superior Court, we intend to use this opportunity to continue our efforts to work with State pensioners to ensure any changes to their healthcare benefits live up to our commitments to them, protect their health and welfare, keep the program solvent, and are properly communicated.”
Delaware House leaders, House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf and House Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst, were also quick to react, issuing a statement in response to the court’s ruling, saying:
“State pensioners deserve the benefits they worked for and were promised. Since learning the details of the planned transition, legislators engaged the administration in negotiations and secured several concessions to the original agreement. The House and Senate also drafted legislation to further protect our retirees and add more oversight, including giving retirees a seat at the table,” their statement read. “Throughout this process, we have closely followed the court case regarding the move to the new healthcare system. The Superior Court ordering a pause injects uncertainty into this situation for our retirees, but we are committed to supporting them throughout this process. Legislators will re-engage the administration and our retirees on next steps and how to ensure that current and future pensioners are protected and receive the best possible care.”
The ruling and related lawsuit comes after the Carney Administration announced their intentions to change the coverage earlier this year, which outraged many state retirees. A trial is set to be held soon that will result in a permanent ruling on the matter.
