No COLA Since 2007 — Now the Supermajority Swamp Hikes Retirees’ Health Costs

From the Karlapalem campaign

“Our teachers, troopers, and state workers get up every day and do the hard work that keeps Alabama running. Now they’re being told their health coverage costs more and covers less — and retirees who haven’t seen a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) since 2007 are being asked to carry it,” Karlapalem said.

MADISON, Alabama - This week, the boards overseeing health insurance for Alabama’s teachers and state employees approved plans to seek major funding increases, warning of a “very, very challenging” budget ahead. The Public Education Employee Health Insurance Plan (PEEHIP) board will ask the Legislature for a $222 million increase for FY28 — raising the per-member rate from $1,048 to $1,226 a month. The State Employees Insurance Board (SEIB) approved a recommended $20 across-the-board premium hike, the first in 11 years, along with higher prescription drug costs, a cut to GLP-1 (weight- loss and diabetes) medication coverage from a 90-day to a 30-day supply, and increased Medicare Part D copays that will hit retirees hardest.

“Retirees who built this state haven't seen a COLA since 2007 — the Republican supermajority swamp has let that slide for almost two decades. Now that same swamp is asking those retirees, and the teachers and state workers still on the job, to pay more for health coverage they can't afford to lose. Meanwhile, local governments keep handing data center developers decades of tax breaks with no accountability for what it costs the state,” Karlapalem said.

“Teachers, troopers, state workers, retirees — you built Alabama. You shouldn't vote for the people who are cutting into what little you have left. This is exactly why I'm running: An Alabama We Can Afford means lower costs, stronger public schools, and real healthcare, not budget gimmicks that ask working families and retirees to foot the bill. Vote the supermajority swamp out on November 3rd,” Karlapalem said.

Karlapalem does not accept money from corporate or special interest PACs.

Hanu Karlapalem is a Madison, Alabama resident of 26 years, small technology business owner, UAH M.S. graduate, Life Member and former Second Vice President of the Limestone County NAACP and Chairman, AANHPI Caucus. He has been married for 31 years and has deep roots in the North Alabama community through civic, professional, and community service. Karlapalemis the Democratic nominee for Alabama State House District 4 in the November 3, 2026, general election.

For more information: https://www.hanu4alabama.com