Randi Weingarten expresses concerns about GHI-HIP merger to mayor

Apr 14, 2008 4:38 PM

February 8, 2008

Honorable Michael R. Bloomberg
Mayor
City of New York
City Hall
New York, NY 10007

RE: GHI-HIP Conversion to For-Profit

Dear Mayor Bloomberg:

On January 29, 2008, the New York State Insurance Department held a public hearing on the proposal to convert HIP and GHI to a single for-profit publicly traded health insurer to be called Emblem Health, Inc.

To date, the Municipal Labor Committee has simply stated that if there was an approval by the State to allow the for-profit conversion, both New York City and its Unions must share in any proceeds and that certain conditions need to be established to ensure the stability of the health benefits for our members.

However, after listening to the testimony and reviewing the exhibits submitted at that hearing, the Municipal Labor Committee has serious concerns about the conversion to for-profit status of GHI/HIP/Emblem.

I am requesting a meeting with your representatives to discuss this issue.

I await your reply.

Very truly yours,

Randi Weingarten

Cc: James Hanley
Edward Skyler
Anthony Watson
Frank Branchini