UIC UNITED: A Chapter of SUAA

News and Announcements

Fall Chapter Meeting

The Fall Meeting of UIC UNITED was held on October 8th on the UIC west campus. State Senator Kwame Raoul (D-13), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Pensions and Investments, was the featured speaker. After the business meeting, Sen. Raoul discussed the various scenarios for pension reform and stressed the need for additional revenue. A delicious buffet lunch followed. Thanks to Carol Humble and the other members of the UIC UNITED Board for making the meeting successful and enjoyable. President Merrill Gassman's report to the membership may be read here.

Payment Delays in the Quality Care Health and Dental Plans

The State has posted an explanation of the cause of the delay of claim payment for the Quality Care Health Plan and Quality Care Dental Plan on the CMS website. It should be no surprise that the lack of available revenue is at the heart of the problem.

Change in Dental Insurance

As most SURS annuitants and survivors have learned by now, the State has unilaterally decided to charge retirees for dental insurance, effective October 1, 2009. The premium is equal to that paid by active employees. AFSCME, the union that negotiated the current benefits contract with the State on behalf of all State employees and annuitants, has filed a grievance. An arbitrator heard the grievance on November 4 and is expected to issue a ruling in early December. For an in-depth discussion of this issue, go to the SUAA website.

Dues Increase

Effective January 1, 2010, UIC SUAA dues will be $36 per year ($3.00 per month) for Individual memberships and $60 per year ($5.00 per month) for Family memberships (two individuals in the same household).