BILL NUMBER: S8388B
SPONSOR: HARCKHAM
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act in relation to protecting the health insurance benefits of reti-
rees of public employers and contributions of retirees of public employ-
ers
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
Prohibits public employers from diminishing the health insurance bene-
fits of public employee retirees.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 establishes that the name of the act shall be the "Health
Equity for Retirees Act."
Section 2 provides that public employers shall not diminish health
insurance benefits for retirees and their dependents. It further
provides definitions for the purposes of this act.
Section 3 states the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
In some localities, there have been attempts to transfer public employee
retirees to health insurance programs that provide diminished benefits.
This action may have serious consequences for the health of these indi-
viduals and on the state's health care system. Retirees covered by such
diminished programs may see reduced access to medical care, with long
pre-authorization procedures and the need to switch from long term
providers. Due to these changes, retirees may be more dependent on
urgent care facilities and emergency rooms, putting an even bigger
strain on health care providers. This legislation will protect retired
public employees from being transferred into diminished health insurance
programs.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately and shall be deemed to have been
in full force and effect on and after November 1.