Bill > S05868

This bill prohibits public employers, including the state, counties, cities, towns, villages, public authorities, commissions, and other governmental entities (with the exception of school districts), from reducing the 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, and ensures that their health insurance coverage cannot be diminished. For retirees who retire after the act's effective date and are in positions not covered by a collective bargaining agreement, their health insurance benefits and employer contributions must be at least equivalent to those provided to active employees in the same positions at the time of retirement. Importantly, the bill does not require employers who currently do not provide health insurance to retirees to start doing so, and it does not supersede existing collective bargaining agreements. The act is set to take effect immediately and will be considered in full force starting January 1, 2025, providing protection for public employee retirees' health insurance benefits.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5868