Union leader out of touch

“This today is an absolute travesty,” said Greg Devereux, of the Washington Federation of State Employees. The travesty in this story is how out of touch Mr. Devereux is with reality!

State employees pay less than 12 percent of their insurance premiums. For those of us in the real world who purchase our own insurance, this “Cadillac” coverage isn’t an option. Our family of four pays $356 a month for a plan with a $6,000 deductible. This is the least expensive plan available. We don’t have a $10 co-pay. We pay the full $98 per visit. Our policy doesn’t include vision, dental, hearing or drug coverage like the state employee plans. Our premiums increased $70 a month at renewal time and we didn’t get to lobby the Legislature for a reduction.

I am proud that we are providing insurance for our family. I don’t begrudge those who have jobs that include health care benefits. But be aware, Mr. Devereux, that your small increase in premiums is not enough to cause a flow of tears from those of us in the real world.

Greg Schultheis

Colton