Insurance negotiated for faculty

By Nick Swedberg

Kishwaukee College faculty members discussed topics for a possible renegotiation at a union committee meeting Tuesday.

“Our plan has always been expensive,” said Dan Brunsworth, a psychology instructor at Kishwaukee.

Brunsworth said they had a history of premiums being recalculated.

“Our contract runs out this summer,” said Union President Chuck Walters.

Walters said they are currently brainstorming ideas for possible renegotiations, among which is the issue of health insurance.

Chris Cullop of Kishwaukee’s math department said they have had their premiums raised for three straight years.

Tina Muffelman, insurance clerk for Kishwaukee, was able to break down the faculty insurance policy.

“We have medical and dental coverage,” Muffelman said. “Our medical plan is a $2,500 deductible.” She said the program is a PPO, which means that if people get medical attention within their network, they are covered for 80 percent. For those out of the network, they only get 20 percent.

“If our employees use these providers, they get a higher percentage,” Muffelman said.

Muffelman said a single premium for their plan is $528 per month. That breaks down to $495 for medical and $33 dollars for dental.

Kishwaukee only provides insurance for full-time faculty members, Muffelman said.”