Contra Costa Grand Jury Recommends Re-Evaluating Employee Contributions for Health Benefits
The Contra Costa County civil grand jury last week released a report urging the county to reduce the cost of health benefits for its employees, the Oakland Tribune reports. The grand jury found that the county's benefits are "extremely generous," the Tribune reports. The report states that county employees' copayments are "significantly below those of other employers."
The jury recommended that the county renegotiate employees' share in the cost of premiums, copayments and prescription drug coverage.
Board of Supervisors Chair Gayle Uilkema said she expects the board and county staff to consider the recommendations before upcoming labor contract negotiations. Uilkema said, "The next phase is examining whether they can be practically implemented. Their suggestions are good, and I think we should look at them as a starting point" (Johnson, Oakland Tribune, 6/17).