Springfield educator asks council to oppose GIC plan changes that would raise costs for municipal employees

Heather Wernemont, an educator with Springfield Public Schools, told the council the state Group Insurance Commission (GIC) is considering plan design changes that would shift costs onto active and retired municipal employees. She said proposals include a roughly 50% increase in some copays (primary, urgent-care and ER visits), a $250 increase in the individual deductible and $500 for families, elimination of hearing‑aid benefits for adults older than 22 and removal of coverage for certain drugs.