EARLIER today I renewed my health insurance as a government employee. I was shocked at the changes that have been made to the health plans apparently at the local government’s request. The only health insurance provider for government employees in the Northern Mariana Islands has sent shockwaves through the community by raising its basic rate from a modest $7 per pay period to a staggering $106.38 in just one year. Not only has the basic rate increase by 15 times, employees on the basic plan are not covered in the U.S. The sudden and substantial hike has now left government employees grappling with financial uncertainty, especially as the deductible has substantially increased as well, further exacerbating the strain on their pockets.
This drastic increase, coupled with the doubled deductible, should prompt a public outcry as employees feel the weight of what appears to be a government-sanctioned monopoly on health insurance services. With the exclusive possession or control of the supply of health insurance, employees are left with limited choices and minimal alternatives, leaving them feeling like hostages to exorbitant rates.
Government employees, already facing the challenges of a weakening economy, find themselves caught in the crossfire of escalating health insurance costs. As the Northern Mariana Islands head into an economic downturn, the timing of these steep rate hikes only adds insult to injury. Employees who have long relied on the government group health insurance are now confronted with the harsh reality that their access to affordable healthcare has vanished.
Community leaders and advocates should be raising their voices against what they perceive as an unjust and monopolistic situation (same goes for United Airlines). The sudden and substantial increase in health insurance costs, places an undue burden on the hardworking government employees who form the backbone of public services in the Northern Mariana Islands.
As the government grapples with the impending recession, citizens and employees are calling for transparency and accountability in the decision-making process that led to these drastic changes. As the government has already cut work hours to some employees and more is coming (at least in PSS), the government hits their employees with another financial loss in the way of healthcare costs. From my understanding, the CHCC employees health insurance has remained the same (correct me if I am wrong on that). Concerns about the impact on the overall well-being of the community are growing, and citizens are demanding a fair resolution that considers the financial realities faced by those who serve the public.
There should be a growing call for a thorough review of the health insurance system, exploring options that prioritize affordability, fairness, and accessibility for all government employees. The hope is that the government will address these concerns and work towards a solution that ensures the well-being of its employees while navigating the economic challenges that lie ahead. This shift in costs from the government to the people is not a demonstration of the government working for the people!
GLENN SMITH
Capital Hill, Saipan
