WBA continues health insurance cost fight

by Susan Mikula Campbell
Niagara Wheatfield Tribune, April 3, 2008

Wheatfield Business Association President Tom Stevenson is determined to give big health insurance companies a run for his money.

He’s scheduled another open public forum on what he deems out-of-control health insurance premiums at 7:30 p.m. today, April 3, at the Wheatfield Community Center, 2800 Church Road.

“This is intended as an open exchange of ideas and solutions. Come and make your voice heard,” he said.

A WBA meeting on the same issue in February only attracted about 30 people. Stevenson is expecting this meeting to be a bit larger. He’s been hitting the road speaking on the issue and recruiting supporters around the county.

He’s expecting state Sen. George Maziarz, Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte, municipal representatives from as far away as Lockport, the Niagara USA Chamber, the Twin Cities Chamber and more to attend tonight. There also will be information presented on alternative health plans.

He’s also talking about organizing a bus trip to Albany and, maybe, Washington, D.C.

People have organized and protested about a 50-cent toll increase on the Grand Island Bridge that might cost them $200 a year.

“A family health insurance plan went up $200 a month between 2007 and 2008,” he said. “It’s another case where we’re just being priced out of existence.”