Governor Patrick has filed legislation proposing the implementation of recommendations made by the Commission to Study Retiree Healthcare and Other Non-Pension Benefits. The legislation, H.59 – An Act Providing Retiree Healthcare Benefits Reform, restructures healthcare benefits provided to retirees of state and local governments. It is before the Joint Committee on Public Service and will have a public hearing on October 31, 2013, from11:00 AM-1:00 PM, at the State House in Gardner Auditorium. Specifically, H.59 would: Increase the minimum years of service requirement for employees from 10 to 20 years. Increase the minimum age for eligibility for retirees to age 60 for Group 1, age 55 for Group 2, and age 50 for Group 4. Prorate benefits on a scale from 50% premium contribution after 20 years to the maximum current retiree benefit of 80%. Provide future surviving spouses with a minimum 50% premium contribution from the agency for which the decedent spouse worked. Exempt current retirees and certain employees who are nearing retirement age from the reforms made by the enactment of H.59. Exempt future ordinary disability retirees from the reform until the 2014 Affordable Care Act exchange is available (at which point in time ordinary disability retirees will receive a 50% premium contribution for 10 to 20 years of service).
Posted on: Wed, 16 Oct 2013 20:16:42 +0000
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