Just Don't Get Sick

Now that the cold weather is moving in fast, bringing cold and flu season with it, the time seems right to talk health care, or lack of it. MediaNews bosses are. Word is they are considering some big changes in our health coverage _ without giving anyone details ahead of time. Typical: the ones most affected find out last. So far, from what is known, looks like the soon-to-be unveiled plan will be Kaiser, a basic other option, and some kind of extra-plush option. Costs to the employees and families are sure to be increasing substantially. The company is expected to provide a buffer -- a subsidy for those who wind up having to pay increases above a certain threshold for one year. But after this one-year management-designed “get-used-to-it” deal, the subsidy will most likely stop.Oh, but I forgot. Footing the bill for our health coverage won't be so bad with those raises were supposed to be getting -- in a few years. Right. The MediaNews track record on that score speaks for itself. The Guild is insisting on having details of the proposed changes in health coverage and the chance to at least look at options.In the meantime, the Guild has suggested a moratorium on any increased costs or cost-shifting, or cuts in benefit levels and provider options.At least let folks know ahead of time what's coming down the line. That would be a first.