Blue Cross and Blue Shield, City College’s insurance providers have increased premiums costing City College staff and faculty an additional $865,865.
“Our Blue Cross benefit plan is a rich benefit plan. City College is one of two districts left to offer this plan to their employees,” said Pam Blanchard, the college’s employee benefits specialist.
Though the plans haven’t changed, employees have experienced payroll deductions to cover the increased cost of insurance.
According to a recent analysis, Blue Cross raised its rates by some 20 percent, while Blue Shield raised them by about 23 percent.
“To cover the cost, some staff chose different plans,” said City College Vice-President and Director of Business Services, Joe Sullivan. “One hundred twenty three people chose plans with reduced benefits. This may be a direct effect of the increasing insurance cost.”