Stop removing prescription insurance coverage for state employees hired before July of 2011

This will have a negative impact on me as a retired State of Maryland Employee.

I joined the University of Maryland in 2001, where today I am very proud to carry the title Distinguished University Professor. I have chosen to build my career and my life here at UMD and in Maryland. I expect the state to live up to its commitments.

Lack of access to prescription medication is more than a financial burden for retired state employees. It signals that the state is willing to legislate death and illness.

I think keeping prescription coverage is necessary for the retired workforce

I worked at UMD for over 40 years, retiring in 2020. That whole time, I and others similarly loyal have planned around this benefit. Many of us will be sorely affected by the removal of this promised benefit.

This change means that the more you work for Maryland, the less you receive.... Unfair and unproductive decision.

FOR NELSON

The State of Maryland's historically good benefits are extremely important to maintaining a talented workforce. This sort of benefits reduction is extremely harmful. Please leave things as they are.

I have been a faithful state employee for over 25 years. One of the reasons for remaining a state employee has been the benefits and expected retirement benefits. Please grandfather in employees and retirees who were hired prior to 2011.

I’ve worked for the university for over thirty years and witnessed many policy changes (eg., tuition remission for dependents), but in no case that I can recall has the state NOT grandfathered those hired with one policy to accommodate a new one. Bad precedent and calls into question the commitment of the State to its employees.

I stayed at the U of Maryland because of this (and other) guarantees in my retirement. I've devoted myself to this outstanding public institution and its students for 38 years when I could have gone elswhwere. Why are you taking this guaranteed benefit away? It seems cruel, unappreciative, and uncaring.

This change will have a significant and difficult effect on my health care.

UMD expects me to honor the terms of my employment, so Maryland should likewise honor the initial terms of my employment.

Please consider whether this change is would be considered a breach of contract. Also, employees would offered benefits like prescription drug coverage to help make up for lower salaries than the private sector so planning on having coverage has been a factor in retirement planning.

Please keep prescription drug coverage for retirees for the state of Maryland.

I work for the UMCP and plan to retire in 2 years, which will put my retirement age at 59, which is several years until I can collect Medicare. I will need prescription coverage until then..... Thank you-

To remove the prescription coverage is very unfair and will impact many workers and their families.

"without this benefit I would not be able to afford my medications"

For 30 years, the state has promised me this benefit. Now it will break the promise and take it away the day I retire?!

As a state employee, this change is very concerning. Retirees deserve the benefits they were promised, especially when they have dedicated so many years of service to the State of Maryland.