BillTrack50 logo
Free Signup Login
Bill

Bill > S08096

NY S08096

NY S08096
Prevents public employers from diminishing health insurance benefits provided to 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 their dependents by such public employer.

summary

Introduced
05/15/2025
In Committee
05/15/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 General Assembly

Bill Summary

AN ACT establishing the "Health Equity for Retirees Act"

AI Summary

This bill, known as the Health Equity for Retirees Act (HERA), prevents public employers from reducing or negatively altering health insurance benefits for retirees and their Medicare-eligible dependents. The bill broadly defines "diminishing" health benefits to include any changes that could make healthcare access more difficult, such as increasing costs (premiums, deductibles, copayments), reducing employer contributions, forcing retirees into Medicare Advantage Plans, limiting provider choices, or adding burdensome pre-authorization requirements. The legislation applies to a wide range of public employers, including state and local governments, school districts, public universities, authorities, and other governmental entities. The bill specifically protects the comprehensive health care benefits of Medicare-eligible retirees, covering aspects like premium costs, service coverage (including inpatient, outpatient, preventative, prescription, mental health, and vision/dental care), and provider choice. Importantly, the bill does not interfere with employee organizations' ability to negotiate employment terms and takes effect immediately upon passage, ensuring immediate protection for public sector retirees' healthcare benefits.

Committee Categories

Labor and Employment

Sponsors (47)

Pete Harckham (D)*,  Joe Addabbo (D),  Jake Ashby (R),  George Borrello (R),  Samra Brouk (D),  Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick (R),  Stephen Chan (R),  Cordell Cleare (D),  Leroy Comrie (D),  Jeremy Cooney (D),  Patricia Fahy (D),  Nathalia Ferna´ndez (D),  Patrick Gallivan (R),  Kristen Gonzalez (D),  Pam Helming (R),  Michelle Hinchey (D),  Brad Hoylman (D),  Robert Jackson (D),  Liz Krueger (D),  Andrew Lanza (R),  John Liu (D),  Monica Martinez (D),  Jack Martins (R),  Mario Mattera (R),  Rachel May (D),  Shelley Mayer (D),  Dean Murray (R),  Peter Oberacker (R),  Tony Palumbo (R),  Kevin Parker (D),  Jessica Ramos (D),  Steve Rhoads (R),  Gustavo Rivera (D),  Rob Rolison (R),  Christopher Ryan (D),  Sean Ryan (D),  Julia Salazar (D),  Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (D),  Luis Sepúlveda (D),  Jose Serrano (D),  James Skoufis (D),  Toby Stavisky (D),  Dan Stec (R),  Jim Tedisco (R),  Lea Webb (D),  Bill Weber (R),  Alexis Weik (R), 

Last Action

REFERRED TO CIVIL SERVICE AND PENSIONS (on 05/15/2025)

bill text

bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...
Loading...