RETIREE INSURANCE PROTECTED
Retirees can breathe easier knowing their health
insurance is safe for at least one more year. Gov. Paterson has
signed a NYSUT-backed bill that will continue health insurance
coverage protections for many public education retirees.
The law extends until May 15, 2009, a measure
that prohibits educational employers from diminishing health insurance
benefits or contributions for retirees and their dependents, unless
there is a corresponding reduction in benefits for active employees.
The law was set to expire May 15. It requires
any changes to retiree health insurance to be subject to collective
bargaining.
"This extension provides the legal requirement
that educational employers continue their longstanding commitment
to providing health insurance coverage to retirees," said NYSUT
Executive Vice President Alan Lubin. "As we've seen in the past,
retiree health coverage is often one of the first areas where many
districts look to save a few bucks."
NYSUT lawyers have won several favorable court
rulings upholding the moratorium law to protect health insurance.
The statewide union has secured an annual extension of the law
since its original enactment in 1994.
"We will continue to urge the Legislature and
governor to make these protections permanent," Lubin said. "The
same protections should also be put in place for all other retired
public employees."
The moratorium bill was co-sponsored by Sen. Hugh
Farley, R-Schenectady, and Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein, D-Brooklyn.
