Bill > H2377

This bill establishes a special commission to study the Massachusetts public employees' retiree benefits system, with the goal of exploring reforms. This commission will investigate the possibility of allowing cities and towns to offer their retired employees individual health insurance policies funded by Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs), which are tax-advantaged savings accounts used to pay for healthcare expenses. The commission will be composed of 13 members, including state officials like the secretary of administration and finance and the treasurer, representatives from the public employee retirement administration commission, a private citizen appointed as chair, members of the House of Representatives and the Senate, a representative selected by the governor from a list provided by the Massachusetts AFL-CIO (a labor union federation), a member of the Massachusetts Municipal Association (representing local governments), and a member of the retired state, county, and municipal employees association. The public employee retirement administration commission will be responsible for conducting an actuarial analysis to assess the costs associated with any proposed recommendations. The commission is required to submit a report detailing its findings, the actuarial analysis, and any proposed legislation by April 20, 2016, to various legislative committees.