Health Care Coverage for Teachers

In April 2014 the Department of Community Health announced a new plan where the more than 650,000 teachers, state employees and their families will be getting more health care options. TRAGIC (Teachers Rally to Advocate for Georgia Insurance Choices) responded saying, “While we are pleased the Department of Community Health has offered choices for 2015, these choices are just as unaffordable as last year!” Here are the 2015 monthly premiums for the State Health Benefit Plan:

State Senator Fran Millar’s Response
https://www.facebook.com/millar.ga/posts/709603789086990
Timeline
2007 – Two of every five people covered by the State Health Benefit Plan were enrolled in the HMO.  Premiums for the HMO were $147/month for “YOU + FAMILY”.
2011 – The HMO as well as the HRA and a high-deductible health plan, together were headed toward an $800 million deficit.
2013 – In hopes of saving about $200 million annually, the state limited the number of companies managing the main health care program to one, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia.
2014 Monthly Premiums State Health Benefit Plan

January 2014 – Ashley Cline, the wife of a Cherokee County teacher, acquires 9000 Facebook friends and founded Teachers Rally Against Georgia Insurance Charges, or TRAGIC, as a protest against the State Health Benefit Plan insurance options.
April 2014 – The Department of Community Health announced a new plan where the more than 650,000 teachers, state employees and their families will be getting more health care options.
August 2014 – The state Department of Community Health’s board approves new plans and rates for 2015.
August 2014 – TRAGIC says its analysis of the new plan shows insurance premiums for many will skyrocket next year. Premiums could jump up to 180 percent for some if they move to new plans offered under the coverage, the group says.

UPDATE
People often ask what board members pay for health coverage if anything at all. Here are the 2015 rates for board members.