State retirees will suffer with loss of prescription drug coverage | READER COMMENTARY

Maryland's change to prescription drug coverage likely to cause serious harm to retired state employees.

Thank you for the recent article addressing the issue facing 55,000 retired state employees at the end of 2024 (“A ‘slap in the face’: Retired state workers in Maryland outraged by drug plan switch,” May 1), concerning their transfer to commercial Part D prescription plans. Despite significant outreach from retiree-voters and Republican interest in the General Assembly, Democratic leadership did not advance the matter beyond committee hearings.

Angela Roberts’ article explained the majority of concerns, but one element not discussed needs to be made clear: the added, unexpected cost burden for necessary medications not covered by Part D will break many retirees. The drug list of Medicare Part D plans is considerably more limited than the plan promised to retirees. This can result in “out-of-pocket” expenses that are not covered by the Medicare cap nor by the state’s promise of a limited Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA).

While the state has offered a variety of explanations, justifications and assurances, these lack evidence, leaving retirees understandably skeptical. The breach of the promise of prescription coverage compounds this frustration, particularly considering retirees accepted lower wages and reduced benefits with the expectation of secure retirement benefits.

In this pivotal election year, retirees are weighing the statements and actions of their elected officials — and their disappointments — in considering their primary and general election votes.

State retirees dedicated their work lives to the state. No other state has retroactively eliminated retiree benefits this way. State retirees deserve more than broken promises.

— James Roberts, Takoma Park

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