Mineola, NY - Legislator Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury) joined members of the Democratic majority in adopting an amendment that requires all non-union Nassau County employees hired on or after January 1, 2002, to contribute to the cost of their health insurance premiums. The measure was unanimously adopted.

According to the amendment, all employees earning a salary greater than $30,000 shall contribute five percent of the cost of the health insurance premium for single coverage and 10 percent of the cost for family coverage. The County will pay the balance of the health insurance premiums.

For employees with an annual base salary equal to or less than $30,000, the County will pay the full cost of the health insurance premiums. Health insurance, as well as dental and other benefits, will be effective on the first day of the first month following either the date of employment or the date an application of benefits is executed.

"This measure builds upon the Democratic majority's proposal advanced last fall that seeks a contribution from all non-union employees beginning in 2003," said Legislator Jacobs. "County Executive Tom Suozzi's support for implementing a health insurance contribution at this time, to coincide with the hiring of his new administration, indicates his willingness to recognize that eventually everyone must make sacrifices to ensure the fiscal stability of Nassau County. This is a first step."

Members of the Democratic majority proposed a phase in contribution for health insurance for non-union employees that begins in 2003. Cost for employees with single coverage would be five percent in 2003; 7.5 percent in 2004; and 10 percent annually thereafter. For family coverage, employees would pay the same percentage as single plan enrollees, except that they would pay a percentage of the additional cost for the extra family coverage; 12.5 percent in 2003; 18.75 percent in 2004; and 25 percent annually thereafter. While the measure was approved in committee, it has not been voted on by the full legislature.