25 years ago: KU faculty outraged by new health plan

From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for Oct. 27, 1987:

Faculty at Kansas University were having a heated reaction to the state’s new health insurance plan after having received information packets this week. “I have had some pretty blistering calls,” said Evelyn Swartz, a KU professor and chair of the Faculty Executive Committee. “A lot of them are very hostile.” Callers were using words like “outrageous” and “erosion of benefits” to describe the change which had been announced by the state in September. Traditional Blue Cross and Blue Shield were no longer available to faculty, reflecting a move to plans with a primary care physician. Employees who chose HMO Kansas were to pay an increase of up to $35 per month for their premium. “I don’t think they really realized the coverage was going to be changing that significantly,” said Swartz. “I think that took hold today…. I think there is a feeling of frustration.”