The looming deadline of December 31 is set to bring significant changes for retired nurses from Beacon Kalamazoo, previously known as Borgess Hospital, as they face the loss of their healthcare benefits. This development has raised considerable concern among these dedicated professionals, who have devoted years to caring for others.
In August, the former owners of the hospital, Ascension, notified retired nurses that their health care benefits would be terminated at the end of this month. As this date draws near, many retirees are now turning to the Beacon Health System, hoping to find a viable solution. The discontinuation of these benefits means that retirees could see their healthcare costs skyrocket, potentially costing them hundreds to thousands of dollars more annually, according to a press release from the Michigan Nurses Association (MNA).
In July, Beacon Health System acquired not only four hospitals but also 35 outpatient clinics and an ambulatory surgery center from Ascension, including the Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. However, when it comes to the MediGap Reimbursement Retiree Plan, which has supported nurses who retired prior to 2016, the news isn't as promising. Heidi Prescott, a senior media relations strategist for Beacon, clarified that this particular plan was not part of the acquisition deal. Thus, the obligation to continue payments remains with Ascension, and affected nurses have been advised to reach out to Ascension for further assistance.
Prescott acknowledged the valuable contributions made by retired nurses over the decades and expressed understanding regarding the concerns that have been raised. "We recognize and appreciate the decades of service provided by our retired nurses," she stated, noting that transitions can be complicated following such acquisitions.
Unfortunately, attempts to obtain comments from Ascension representatives were unsuccessful. For decades, nurses like Lynn Crutcher, who retired from the hospital in 1993, have relied on the MediGap plan, which was originally established before Borgess became part of Ascension in 1999. Crutcher shared her assumptions about the continuity of these benefits, believing that Beacon would naturally take over payments upon acquiring the hospital. It wasn’t until conversations with other retired nurses that she learned the truth about the impending changes.
Crutcher expressed disappointment about the situation, describing how difficult it would be for many seniors to absorb the financial burden created by losing this coverage. She emphasized, "I feel I’ve earned this benefit. Taking away this health care coverage is a slap in the face and a financial burden that many of us seniors will have a hard time absorbing." Given that her primary source of income is Social Security, the additional cost of continuing on the MediGap insurance plan—projected to be $2,700 next year—represents a significant portion of her monthly income.
As discussions continue between the Michigan Nurses Association and Beacon Health, frustrations grow among those affected. While MNA estimates that the number of impacted retirees is likely in the hundreds, they have faced obstacles in obtaining a definitive list of those affected from Beacon.
This evolving situation is more than just a policy change; it affects the lives and well-being of many retirees who have dedicated their careers to the health of their community. What do you think should be done to support these retired nurses? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
