While state employees await a final decision from Governor Pat Quinn on Senate Bill 178, regarding health care, there will be meetings in Charleston to help employees prepare to make decisions by the June 17 deadline.

There will be a Benefits Choice Informational Meeting Wednesday June 8 at the Neal Welcome Center to help state employees understand their choices for health care.

If Gov. Quinn vetoes SB 178, health providers such as Health Alliance will not be available as providers for state employees.

This decision could affect 80 percent of Eastern employees, according to a university press release May 26.

Despite a future of uncertainty for the bill, it will be important for Eastern employees to attend the session Wednesday, said Alan Baharlou, legislative chair for the Eastern Illinois University Annuitants Association.

There will be two meetings at the Neal Welcome Center Wednesday, one at 3 and another at 5 p.m.

Baharlou said these meetings will be important for people to attend so they can understand their options.

“By the number of questions, emails, phone calls we’ve gotten, people are apprehensive,” Baharlou said. “This way you can ask questions face-to-face, and follow up questions to help you understand (your options).”

The Neal Welcome Center can hold approximately 100 people, Baharlou said, not including people who stand in the hallways. Baharlou said he hopes it’s a full crowd.

Baharlou said going to the meeting can be a learning experience for employees, who are not sure of the details of their options for health care.

“Information online is not the best,” Baharlou said. “Being face-to-face will help you understand.”

The meeting is meant to review the difference between an HMO and an OAP plan, how to locate providers in each play, what else changed with Benefits Choice, where to send paperwork, and Medicare Coordination of Benefits.

Leaders of the meeting will also help people complete paperwork, if needed.

Following Wednesday’s meetings, there will be another meeting for annuitants Tuesday, June 14 at 7th Street Underground from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Baharlou said going to both meetings will be beneficial.

“The first meeting will answer some questions,” Baharlou said. “But it also raises more questions. Once you see if you have follow up questions, you can go to the next meeting.”

Alex McNamee can be reached at 581-7942 or [email protected]