Fresno Retirees Secure Temporary Access to Medical Care

The Fresno Unified School District (FUSD) announced a temporary solution on February 14, 2024, allowing approximately 1,500 retired teachers covered by Aetna to continue accessing medical services through Community Health Centers. This agreement provides retirees the ability to see their doctors and obtain prescription refills until February 20, 2024, amid an ongoing dispute between Aetna and Community.

The conflict arose when the contract between Aetna and Community expired on December 31, 2023, leaving many FUSD retirees, who primarily use Community’s services, without coverage for their physicians and caregivers. This sudden disruption prompted criticism from FUSD officials and members of the Fresno Teachers Association (FTA), who expressed concerns that retirees were being unfairly affected by the contractual negotiations.

According to Aldo De La Torre, president of Community’s insurance services and managed care division, the organization is negotiating with Aetna to ensure that “high-quality care” remains accessible at fair rates. De La Torre emphasized the importance of contracts that adequately compensate healthcare providers for the services they offer, stating, “Our ability to provide high-quality, accessible care to the entire community depends on contracts that fairly reimburse physicians, nurses, and care teams for the services they deliver.”

The Joint Health Management Board, responsible for overseeing FUSD’s employee-benefits plan in relation to the FTA’s collective bargaining agreements, was slated to meet to discuss alternative care options for retirees. FUSD Superintendent Misty Her confirmed the board’s commitment to addressing the needs of retired educators.

Retirees, who rely on Community for essential health services, expressed relief at the temporary reprieve. Many feared the potential health risks associated with losing access to their long-standing physicians during the contract dispute.

As negotiations between Aetna and Community continue, the outcome will significantly impact the healthcare access of FUSD retirees. Both organizations have been urged to expedite their discussions to secure a long-term solution that ensures uninterrupted care for the elderly educators who dedicated their careers to teaching in the Fresno area.