The UC Berkeley Center for Labor Research and Education conducted a study on the impact of changes in health benefits on health coverage and utilization in Southern and Northern California grocery industry. The study analyzed actuarial data from the UFCW Healthcare Trust Fund for all of Southern California and for Northern California Locals 428 and 101, as well as UFCW membership data for UFCW Local 770 in Los Angeles and two Northern California Locals (101 and 428). The study found that the new contract in Southern California significantly reduced health coverage, increased waiting periods, required new employees to contribute more to the premium cost, increased co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles, and restricted plan options. The study also found that wages rates for new hires were reduced. Overall, the study suggests that the changes in health benefits had a negative impact on health coverage and utilization in both Southern and Northern California.
