Two New Commissioners Share Their Perspectives on the GIC's Role in Health Care Reform
New Commissioners Kevin Drake and Candace Reddy may have different constituent concerns, but are on the same page about ways the GIC can play a role in health care reform. Commissioner Kevin Drake is a state union representative to the Commission who recently filled the Council 93, AFSCME, AFL-CIO position. Candace Reddy is the new designee for Jay Gonzalez, Secretary of Administration and Finance. Both of the newest Commissioners are favorable about the GIC's limited network plan options and feel that controlling costs while maintaining quality coverage are important goals of the Commission.
Commissioner Reddy says that the Commission has taken an innovative approach to addressing cost containment strategies. She cites the GIC's active state employee re-enrollment success of over 99%, coupled with the limited network incentives, as some of the reasons for the commendable 2.4% average health plan rate increase for FY12. Commissioner Reddy looks forward to the challenges ahead and the GIC's role in helping to contain health care costs. "I look forward to addressing additional issues related to health care cost containment measures as the Commonwealth shifts our health care delivery system from a fee-for-service system to a global payment system," she says. Commissioner Drake says that providing coverage to members at the best price possible, while providing some relief to cities and towns, is very challenging during the current difficult economic period.
Commissioner Drake has worked for the Commonwealth for the last 25 years. He is currently a Recreational Facility Supervisor with the Department of Conservation and Recreation, overseeing various locations, including Houghton's Pond in Milton. Commissioner Reddy has worked for the Executive Office for Administration and Finance since 2007 and is currently the Assistant Budget Director and Senior Advisor for Health Care Finance and Policy. The GIC extends a warm welcome to our newest Commissioners!
This information provided by the Group Insurance Commission.