Retirees, teachers oppose district shift to Medicare Advantage; retirees urge retaining Medicare with supplement

Retirees and active teachers told negotiators on June 12 that switching retiree coverage to a Medicare Advantage plan would be detrimental for many former district employees and urged the district to preserve Medicare with a supplemental benefit.

Why it matters: retiree health coverage is a contract promise many employees cite when making long‑term career decisions. Changes in retiree coverage can affect retiree finances, health outcomes and retiree support for future bargaining.

Speakers at the bargaining table and retirees in the room described concrete examples where Medicare Advantage coverage limited care. Eileen, identified in the meeting as a retiree who worked for the district and whose three children attended Ithaca schools, told the table a case she had seen: a 92‑year‑old former district nurse’s post‑operative rehab was paid for by Medicare for up to 100 days but the Advantage plan paid for only about 10 days; family members reportedly had to pay private costs while they appealed.

Retirees said Advantage plans provide limited, lower‑cost “carrots” such as gym memberships but can require prior authorization for expensive or high‑complexity care. Several retired members who spoke and others who emailed the union ahead of the meeting urged the district to offer both options or to preserve the current supplemental Medicare plan. Union representatives said a retiree vote indicated broad opposition to the district’s proposal; Aurora reported that roughly 88% of retirees voted against considering the Advantage plan.

District negotiators said on paper the plans could look “equal to or better than,” but retirees stressed differences in real‑world experience and access. The parties did not reach agreement; the subject will be part of continued bargaining when talks resume.

Ending: The ICSD negotiating team said it would not impose a change without further discussion; retirees and union representatives said they would press to preserve the supplemental Medicare option or to make both options available to retirees.