Dear President McRobbie:

We respectfully request that you suspend the implementation of the proposed increases in employee health care contributions until a thorough and public review of these increases is completed.  We recognize the increasing cost of health coverage at Indiana University.  However, we are troubled by the abrupt and precipitous increases being proposed.  The fact that the proposed changes involve the tripling or quadrupling of employee contributions for many IU employees has raised serious concerns for many of the faculty and staff.  These concerns include how this plan was developed, many of its details, and its implications for the future of health care and health insurance for IU employees.  If the plan is implemented as scheduled, the effect could cause considerable damage to the morale of staff and faculty.

In short, we ask for 1) a full and clear presentation of the budgetary situation surrounding the proposed massive increase in employee health contributions and 2) an open discussion in which we consider other options besides these precipitous increases.                

We are confident that by working together, the faculty, staff, and administration can revise the plan so that it is more effective in addressing budgetary issues while being respectful of the spirit of collegiality and thoughtfulness that are essential if we are to maintain Indiana University's standard of excellence.