WE HEAR YOU! Healthcare Benefits: Advocating for Fair Coverage

During our recent pre-negotiations survey, an overwhelming number of SLOCEA members expressed significant concerns regarding the health benefits for SLO County employees, particularly regarding affordability and coverage. With rising health insurance premiums, many feel that their annual cost-of-living adjustments are negated by the high premiums. Between healthcare costs and high pension contributions, several employees reported that their take-home pay is reduced to less than 50% of their gross wages. With the rising cost of living in the County, and salaries that are being diverted elsewhere, it is becoming increasingly difficult for employees to afford to live where they work. Several employees expressed a desire for the County to adopt more affordable and widely accepted healthcare plans, ensuring employees’ healthcare package is a benefit instead of a burden.

Looking Back

In January 2024, County employees faced a sharp 15.5% spike in insurance premiums, creating significant financial strain. In response, SLOCEA immediately sought a meeting with the County to explore relief options. We proposed reopening negotiations to secure a higher cafeteria allowance across all levels or a one-time lump sum to help offset the burden. While the County acknowledged the hardship employees were facing, they insisted that Board approval was required to move forward. Unfortunately, the Board of Supervisors denied our request, citing that health benefit changes must be addressed during regular negotiations. This decision sparked widespread outrage among our members, leading to a powerful letter-writing campaign. SLOCEA urged members to voice their concerns directly to the Board of Supervisors, the Director of Human Resources, and key HR personnel. Although the outcome was disheartening, SLOCEA’s members’ voices were certainly heard – sending a clear message that these rising costs required a solution.

Limited Options

Opting out of County-sponsored health insurance might seem like a reasonable alternative, however changes made to the County’s cafeteria cash-out policy in 2015 did away with the previous cafeteria cash-out option. This means that employees hired after February 2, 2015, who have coverage through alternative means, receive no financial compensation to help cover their insurance premiums. Since that time, efforts to renegotiate a cash-out option have been futile, with the County stating that a cash-out option incentivizes employees to find coverage elsewhere, driving up overall costs. Employees also reported having significant difficulty finding a health care provider who accepts the County’s insurance plans, particularly Delta Dental. With more and more physicians on the Central Coast unwilling or unable to accept County insurance, it becomes less and less of a viable option for employees.

Time to Take Action

The time will soon arrive for the County to honor their commitment to improving recruitment and retention and providing a fair and competitive benefits package to employees. The challenges surrounding healthcare benefits for SLO County employees cannot simply be ignored. Rising premiums, limited provider options, and inadequate alternatives have placed an unsustainable burden on employees. As we head into negotiations, now is the time to take action and demand meaningful change.

Here’s how you can help:

1. Stay Engaged: Keep up with negotiations updates through the Member Portal and be ready to vote when the time comes to ratify a tentative agreement.

2. Share Your Story: Personal accounts have power. If high premiums or limited provider access have impacted you, let SLOCEA know—we can use real employee experiences to strengthen our case. You can email us at info@slocea.org.

3. Contact Decision-Makers: Reach out to the Board of Supervisors and County HR officials to express your concerns about affordability, accessibility, and the need for better options.

4. Attend Meetings & Speak Up: Whether it’s a Board of Supervisors meeting or a SLOCEA Board of Directors meeting, your presence and input reinforce the urgency of this issue.

5. Encourage Your Colleagues: The more voices we have advocating for change, the stronger our position. Encourage coworkers to get involved and make their concerns known.

SLOCEA is committed to fighting for a fair and competitive benefits package, but real progress requires collective action. Together, we can push for healthcare benefits that truly serve employees—not burden them. Stay engaged, speak up, and let’s demand the benefits we deserve.

Brooke Daphne

Labor Representative II