FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 12, 2018

Contact: Jane Lerner, Director of Strategic Communications

Office of the County Executive (845) 638-5645

lernerj@co.rockland.ny.us

Rockland County to Hold Seminar for Retirees about Health Insurance Changes

NEW CITY, NY – Rockland County will hold two seminars next week to give retirees an opportunity to learn more about the new health insurance plan offered to them.

The County's 2,600 retirees have already received letters informing them that effective April 1, Aetna will be the new, sole medical and pharmacy carrier and provider for all eligible County employees and their covered dependents.

"We have done an exhaustive study of the options and we are confident that this plan will be equal to or better than the benefits currently provided," said Rockland County Executive Ed Day. "We are committed to making sure our retirees will continue to have access to the highest quality medical services available."

The County of Rockland is working closely with Aetna to ensure a smooth transition. Retirees have received a list of times and locations for information seminars.

Two additional meetings will be held next week.

• 2:30 p.m., Jan. 16 at the Rockland Fire Training Center, 35 Firemen's Drive, Pomona.
• 2:30 p.m., Jan. 19 at the Rockland Fire Training Center, 35 Firemen's Drive, Pomona.

Presentations will be made by Aetna officials to retirees at the meetings.

Retirees and dependents currently enrolled in a County health insurance plan will be enrolled automatically in the new Aetna plan effective April 1.

The County held briefings for members of the Rockland County Legislature about the new plan.

Rockland County spends $31 million annually on retiree health costs. The new plan will be more cost efficient while maintaining or improving the level of benefits.

The change does not impact active employees.