It’s no secret that healthcare is a complex and costly issue in the United States. During the 43-day government shutdown from October 1, 2025, to November 12, 2025, the debate over healthcare affordability for US citizens was one of the main issues that prolonged the shutdown, as it divided lawmakers over whether to continue or end the Affordable Care Act’s healthcare subsidies.

Healthcare is vital. Even for healthy families and individuals, no one can predict when an emergency will strike or when health complications will arise. And in the American medical system, medical bills and prescription drug costs can financially derail a family.

The good news is that, regardless of the government’s subsidy decision, unions still have the strength to provide our membership with competitive, affordable healthcare through collective bargaining. Being a member of the Ohio Laborers’ Union means that by maintaining at least 1,000 hours a year, you receive no-additional cost healthcare, prescription drug, hearing, and vision insurance. To learn more about our insurance coverage and deductibles, visit https://www.ohiolaborers.com.

The Ohio Laborers’ Union works hard to negotiate these benefits into our heavy highway, building, and other project labor agreements. Our funds, the Laborers’ Health and Safety Fund of North America and the Ohio Laborers’ Benefits Office, negotiate with healthcare providers on members’ behalf to lower costs and expand services, partnering with organizations like LiveHealth, SWORD, EPIC Hearing, and others to make care more accessible and relevant for members. Funds also analyze industry trends, government legislation, and new vendors.

These efforts help lower costs, increase prevention, and protect the systems set in place to benefit members. These efforts are made possible by collective bargaining agreements. The collective power of our combined membership and leverage also allows us to secure lower prices and better offerings by leveraging the large number of LIUNA members to secure larger rebates and discounts on prescription drugs from manufacturers.

As a union, we are stronger together. Our combined power raises the standards for our members and all workers whose organizations must compete with the union standard. Feel the Power!

Citations:

https://lhsfna.org/how-the-lhsfna-champions-affordable-healthcare-for-laborers