Rochester Health Officials Surprised by Rising Insurance Premiums
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — As open enrollment approaches, some health officials in the Rochester area are expressing shock over the steep increases in health insurance premiums planned for next year.
Two physicians, who chose to remain anonymous, shared their concerns with 13WHAM. One of them mentioned feeling disconnected, saying, “I don’t feel like I’m really part of the family, and I’m depressed.” The sentiment of not being valued was evident.
Medical staff noted they received notifications this week about the changes. One doctor remarked, “I currently pay around $115 every two weeks, but under the new plan, that will jump to $338 every two weeks.” This translates to an increase of over $220 per pay period, which amounts to more than $5,700 a year.
Another physician, with a decade of experience at Rochester Regional Health, pointed out that his compensation per visit for children is set to rise from under $500 to $1,000.
“It’s biweekly, and it has been quite stable over the years,” he said. “But with this new change, it’s going to be about $1,000 every other week.” Some employees feel like they have to reevaluate their financial strategies completely.
“We’re actively looking for ways to cut expenses,” one of the doctors stated.
In a response, Rochester Regional Health explained that the premium updates aim to address ongoing health care cost increases by closing one plan and introducing a more equitable premium structure based on salary.
Rochester Regional Health is updating its employee health benefits program to address rising health care costs. This includes terminating single health insurance plans after this year and introducing a more equitable premium structure based on salary ranges. This decision follows a detailed review of financial data, revealing that the existing plans had lower-than-expected usage, costing the system $12 million each year. Like many health organizations nationally, we’re taking proactive measures to ensure the sustainability of our benefits while investing in our employees and patient care.
Despite the changes, Rochester Regional Healthcare remains dedicated to offering competitive benefits that foster the health of our team members. Employees will still have access to two comprehensive health plans with no-cost primary and behavioral health options within our network, as well as additional wellness resources that reflect our commitment to being a top healthcare employer.
One physician commented on the shift in employee loyalty, saying, “Some staff have lost their allegiance to this institution and prefer not to be associated with it.” Another echoed similar frustrations, stating, “It feels like they’re more focused on numbers than on patients or providers.”
“I love serving the community at RGH,” mentioned another physician. “But I can’t ignore that $2,000 a month for health insurance is quite hefty. I think it makes sense to explore other options.”
The Rochester Nurses and Allied Professionals Union, which represents staff nurses at Rochester General Hospital, stated their disappointment regarding the premium hikes and expressed hope that the health system would reconsider its approach to employee investment.
Three years ago, RGH nurses unionized to enhance patient care. A key goal is staff retention, especially amid staffing challenges. We are disheartened to see the RRH administration prioritizing executive compensation and real estate ventures over improving employee health benefits.
RRH has opted to eliminate its minimum premium health insurance plan for all staff. We are consulting with legal counsel about compliance concerns regarding our union contract. While premium increases affect most other hospital employees, registered nurses are shielded from these hikes due to union protections.
We urge RRH CEO Chip Davis, whose rising compensation totals $3.2 million, to reconsider and invest in the staff. It is alarming that many healthcare workers can no longer afford health coverage for themselves. Unions are essential for empowering workers, and we will continue to advocate for our unions and the Rochester community.
Background: Nurses Union Raises Concerns about Staffing at Rochester General Hospital
— RGH nurses remain optimistic after reaching a contract agreement to improve wages and staffing.
