Tuesday’s conflicting rulings could affect subsidies for millions of Americans.
Daily Archives: July 22, 2014
Sandstone nurses vote for their first contract
Essentia Health-Sandstone nurses have a new contract – their first.
Members approved a new four-year contract earlier this month, following two years of organizing and negotiating.
Sandstone nurses organized right after Essentia bought the hospital in 2012.
“We are very excited to have a contract with language that ensures safe staffing, addresses on-call shifts, and gives nurses a stronger voice in our workplace,” said bargaining unit MNA Co-Chair Erin Olson, RN. “The feedback from fellow nurses has been very positive.”
The four-year contract includes:
- Wage increases of 11 percent over the four years;
- Orientation and training language modeled on metro nurses’ contracts;
- On-call pay raise from $4 per hour to the minimum wage;
- Reimbursement raise from $400 to $700 for continuing education;
- 401(k) contributions from 3 percent to 7 percent.
“We are most happy to have a voice and solidarity in our dealings with management from now on,” said Olson.
D.C. Circuit Panel Strikes Down Subsidies In Federal Health Exchange
But a three-judge panel on the 4th Circuit issues a contradictory ruling on the legality of subsidized insurance on the federally run insurance marketplace.
Arkansas Weighs Plan To Make Some Medicaid Enrollees Fund Savings Accounts
The state is proposing that many people enrolled in the “private option” Medicaid expansion program contribute between $5 and $25 a month. Those who don’t could face additional medical expenses.
Medicare Testing Payment Options That Could End Observation Care Penalties
The pilot projects underway at hospitals eliminate the requirement that seniors must be admitted for three days before they qualify for nursing home coverage.