At the SHIP (Supplemental Health Insurance Plan) Annual Trustees Meeting last Friday, December 5 2025, there was a vote to double SHIP premiums (from $120 to $240 per year), to increase them by 100% starting on July 1, 2026. I can't tell you about the discussion that took place during executive session, but I will tell you the vote was not unanimous. I voted against it, but it passed 4-3. (The SHIP trustees are Elementary VP Karen Alford, Secretary Leroy Barr, retiree Gloria Brandman, Assistant Treasurer Tom Brown, Treasurer Victoria Lee, retiree Michele Rayvid, and myself.)
A premium increase might be necessary, but not a hundred percent, not double our current amount. The numbers we saw are based on assumptions about some recent benefit increases. But the data isn't complete yet; it is still coming in. This much of an increase could use retiree premiums to fund a very large surplus for SHIP. That does not seem right. We could have waited a year and found that a smaller increase would have been more appropriate.
SHIP is well run. SHIP gives back to its members. We haven't had a premium increase in fifteen years, since 2007, which is a good thing. But a 100% premium increase is more than we need at this time. And any increase should be discussed with retirees first.
It's time we trust our members.
- Bennett Fischer
Retiree Advocate is opposed to doubling SHIP premiums for retirees. We urge retirees to contact the SHIP trustees, and tell them: Rethink your decision. Use our premiums to pay for running SHIP, not for building a savings account. Discuss all changes with retirees.
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