As former employees of the Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS), we dedicated our careers to nurturing and educating the community's children with diligence and commitment. Now, in our retirement, we find ourselves confronted with a challenge that we believe compromises the healthcare security we were promised. This issue revolves around the obligation for CCPS retirees to enroll in a specific CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Medicare Advantage plan, limiting our choice in healthcare coverage.

The issue at hand is the requirement for retirees to enroll in this Medicare Advantage plan as their primary health coverage option. This plan may not suit the diverse medical needs of all retirees, considering factors such as pre-existing conditions, geographical locations, or preferred healthcare providers. This single-payer requirement does not account for the unique health needs and financial considerations each retiree faces. It essentially strips away the flexibility and autonomy each individual deserves regarding their healthcare decisions.

For many retirees, this mandate can lead to disruption in continuity of care, increased out-of-pocket expenses, and a narrowed network of healthcare providers. These factors can significantly affect retirees' quality of life, as healthcare decisions critically impact well-being, especially for those dealing with chronic health issues or requiring specialized medical care.

Furthermore, it's important to note that nearly 30% of retirees nationwide are choosing Medicare Advantage Plans voluntarily, which indicates a significant portion prefers alternatives that may cater to specific health needs and financial situations outside the standardized option currently imposed by CCPS.

We propose that the Calvert County Public Schools Board of Education review this healthcare policy and provide retirees with alternative options that include multiple plans—both Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare supplemented by retiree-selectable policies. Such a change would respect retirees' rights to choose a healthcare path that best fits their individual needs, ensuring continuity, affordability of care, and satisfaction.

We urge Dr. Newsome and the members of the Board of Education to consider this request seriously. By acknowledging the diverse healthcare needs of your former employees and allowing for greater choice in healthcare plans, you honor their legacy of dedication to the school system and support their well-being in retirement.

Please sign this petition to call on the Board of Education to take action and bring about a policy change that offers CCPS retirees a choice in their healthcare options.