A few weeks ago, I wrote a letter to the editor regarding rising medical coverage costs in Skowhegan, SAD 54 and Somerset County.

I am sorry to say that some of the information I reported was in error. While I correctly stated the Skowhegan municipal workers are granted 100 percent medical coverage for themselves and 50 percent coverage for their families, I was misinformed when I said that SAD 54 and Somerset County employees received 100 percent coverage for themselves, as well as 100 percent coverage for their families.

SAD 54 teachers, for example, have various medical coverage plans to choose from, but none includes 100 percent coverage for themselves as well as their families.

Somerset County, however, does offer 100 percent coverage to clerical workers, but only if they contribute $152 per month. All other county employees, while enjoying excellent medical coverage, fall short of the 100 percent family coverage that I stated they received.

After all is said and done, Skowhegan town employees receive comparable medical coverage to SAD 54 and Somerset County workers.

As I pointed out in my first letter, however, the cost of this insurance, with increases of 16 percent per year, remains unsustainable.

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State and municipal employees of Maine must join forces and negotiate the best affordable and equal medical coverage from the insurance company that chooses to be the most competitive.

I do wish to apologize to the SAD 54 and Somerset County employees for misstating their medical benefits.

Richard J. LaPorte

Skowhegan


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