October 9, 2009 – As an IAFF affiliate leader, you know all too well that health
care costs are rising out of control and that escalating insurance premiums are
diminishing wages and other benefits. Affordable health insurance is also a
growing need among retired fire fighters who often lose coverage under
employer-paid plans when they separate from service.
While the health care debate on Capitol Hill remains contentious, the IAFF is
committed to fighting on its members' behalf for health care reform that
protects the benefit plans our members have and reduces the costs both to our
members and their employers.
The plan now being proposed by the Senate Finance Committee would assess a 40
percent tax on high-value insurance plans -- a tax that would hit many IAFF
members' plans, which cost more because of the dangers associated with their
jobs, not necessarily because they offer more generous benefits.
The IAFF strongly opposes this health care reform bill that imposes an excise
tax on insurance companies because those excise taxes are likely to be passed on
to IAFF members, and is lobbying tirelessly against the Senate Finance Committee
plan to tax so-called "Cadillac" health insurance plans to finance health care
overhaul.
IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger spoke at a press conference on
Capitol Hill October 7 calling for Congress to seek alternative sources of
revenue. "The tax could become similar to the alternative minimum tax (AMT) and
trap more and more middle class taxpayers each year under the Finance Committee
plan," he said.
