Bill > A01668

This bill prohibits public employers, including the state, counties, cities, towns, villages, public authorities, commissions, and other governmental entities, from reducing health insurance benefits or employer contributions for retirees and their dependents below the level that was in place at the time of the retiree's retirement. The bill applies to retirees who retired before, on, or after the effective date of the act, with a specific provision for those who retire after January 1, 2025, from positions not covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Importantly, the bill does not require employers who are not currently providing health insurance benefits to retirees to start doing so, and it does not override existing collective bargaining agreements. The legislation aims to protect public employee retirees from potential cuts to their health insurance coverage, ensuring they maintain the same level of benefits and employer contributions they had when they initially retired. The bill will take effect immediately and be considered in full force from January 1, 2025.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1668