New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A01668

Introduced
1/10/25  
Refer
1/10/25  

Caption

Prohibits the diminution of health insurance benefits of public employee retirees and their dependents or reducing the employer's contributions for such insurance; defines employers to include the state, municipalities, school districts, and public authorities and commissions.

Summary

Bill A01668 aims to protect the health insurance benefits of retired public employees in New York by prohibiting public employers from reducing these benefits or their contributions towards them. This protection applies to retirees regardless of when they retired, ensuring that their health insurance coverage remains at least at the level it was at the time of their retirement. The bill defines 'public employers' broadly, including state, county, city, town, village, and various public entities, while explicitly excluding school districts and certain educational boards.

Impact

The bill will reinforce the health insurance rights of retired public employees, ensuring that their benefits are not diminished by public employers. This could lead to increased financial obligations for public employers, as they will be required to maintain health insurance benefits at current levels for retirees. The legislation may also influence collective bargaining agreements by establishing a baseline for retiree benefits, although it does not override existing agreements.

Sentiment

The sentiment around Bill A01668 appears to be generally supportive among its sponsors and those advocating for retiree rights, as it seeks to safeguard the benefits that retirees rely on. However, there may be concerns from public employers regarding the potential financial implications of maintaining these benefits, which could lead to debates about budget allocations and fiscal responsibility.

Contention

Points of contention may arise from public employers who argue that the bill imposes an undue financial burden, particularly in times of budget constraints. Additionally, there may be differing opinions on the exclusion of school districts from the bill's provisions, with some stakeholders advocating for a more inclusive approach to protect all public sector retirees.

Companion Bills

NY S05868

Same As Prohibits the diminution of health insurance benefits of public employee retirees and their dependents or reducing the employer's contributions for such insurance; defines employers to include the state, municipalities, school districts, and public authorities and commissions.

Previously Filed As

NY S02728

Prohibits the diminution of health insurance benefits of public employee retirees and their dependents or reducing the employer's contributions for such insurance; defines employers to include the state, municipalities, school districts, and public authorities and commissions.

NY S04732

Prohibits the diminution of health insurance benefits of public employee retirees and their dependents or reducing the employer's contributions for such insurance; defines employers to include the state, municipalities, school districts, and public authorities and commissions.

NY S05868

Prohibits the diminution of health insurance benefits of public employee retirees and their dependents or reducing the employer's contributions for such insurance; defines employers to include the state, municipalities, school districts, and public authorities and commissions.

NY S08096

Prevents public employers from diminishing health insurance benefits provided to retirees and their 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.

NY S09945

Prohibits 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.

NY SB0149

Public employees and officers: compensation and benefits; regional airport authorities; include in the publicly funded health insurance contribution act. Amends sec. 2 of 2011 PA 152 (MCL 15.562).

NY HB4243

Public employees and officers: compensation and benefits; regional airport authorities; include in the publicly funded health insurance contribution act. Amends sec. 2 of 2011 PA 152 (MCL 15.562).

NY A09637

Relates to protecting retiree health insurance benefits; provides that the health insurance benefits provided to retired officers, employees, and their dependents by the state and its political subdivisions shall not be diminished or impaired below the actuarial value of the benefits provided as of December thirty-first, two thousand twenty-one.

NY SF2909

Public employees insurance program participation by certain school employers requirement

NY S03607

Prohibits 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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.