Bill
Bill > A04639
NY A04639
NY A04639Prohibits public employers from diminishing health insurance benefits provided to Medicare-eligible retirees and their Medicare-eligible dependents or the contributions such employer makes for such health insurance coverage below the level of such benefits or contributions made on behalf of such retirees and dependents by the public employer as of December 31, 2021.
summary
Introduced
02/04/2025
02/04/2025
In Committee
02/04/2025
02/04/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 General Assembly
Bill Summary
AN ACT in relation to protecting the health insurance benefits of retirees of public employers and contributions of retirees of Medicare-eligible public employers
AI Summary
This bill, known as the Health Equity for Retirees Act (HERA), prohibits public employers from reducing health insurance benefits for Medicare-eligible retirees and their dependents below the level of benefits and contributions that were in place as of December 31, 2021. The bill defines "diminishing" benefits broadly, including actions such as increasing healthcare costs, reducing employer contributions, forcing retirees into Medicare Advantage Plans, limiting provider choices, or adding pre-authorization requirements. "Public employers" are comprehensively defined to include state and local government entities, school districts, public authorities, and other governmental bodies. The bill specifies that "health care benefits" encompass costs, specific coverage details, and provider choice, ensuring that retirees maintain their existing level of healthcare access and affordability. Importantly, the legislation does not prevent employee organizations from negotiating employment terms and takes effect retroactively from December 31, 2021. The goal is to protect Medicare-eligible retirees from potential healthcare coverage reductions by their public employer.
Committee Categories
Labor and Employment
Sponsors (48)
Stacey Pheffer Amato (D)*,
George Alvarez (D),
Didi Barrett (D),
Michael Benedetto (D),
Sam Berger (D),
Chris Burdick (D),
Marianne Buttenschon (D),
Patrick Carroll (D),
Robert Carroll (D),
William Colton (D),
Bill Conrad (D),
Vivian Cook (D),
Maritza Davila (D),
Chris Eachus (D),
Harvey Epstein (D),
Deborah Glick (D),
Judy Griffin (D),
Andrew Hevesi (D),
Pamela Hunter (D),
Billy Jones (D),
Anna Kelles (D),
Dana Levenberg (D),
Donna Lupardo (D),
Karen McMahon (D),
Demond Meeks (D),
Kwani O'Pharrow (D),
Steve Otis (D),
Amy Paulin (D),
Steven Raga (D),
Jenifer Rajkumar (D),
Phil Ramos (D),
Karines Reyes (D),
Jon Rivera (D),
Nily Rozic (D),
Angelo Santabarbara (D),
Nader Sayegh (D),
Rebecca Seawright (D),
Maryjane Shimsky (D),
Jo Anne Simon (D),
Tony Simone (D),
Phil Steck (D),
Steve Stern (D),
Yudelka Tapia (D),
Clyde Vanel (D),
David Weprin (D),
Aron Wieder (D),
Jaime Williams (D),
Stefani Zinerman (D),
Last Action
referred to governmental employees (on 02/04/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4639 |
| BillText | https://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&bn=A04639&term=2025&Summary=Y&Actions=Y&Text=Y&Committee%26nbspVotes=Y&Floor%26nbspVotes=Y#A04639 |
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