This NYT headline article is sure to disappear into the fog of the Bhutto assassination

[Bozita]

After all, it only affects about 10,000,000 Americans.

I'm betting none of the networks mention this tonight.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/27/washington/27retire.html


December 27, 2007
U.S. Ruling Backs Benefit Cut at 65 in Retiree Plans

By ROBERT PEAR
WASHINGTON — The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said Wednesday that employers could reduce or eliminate health benefits for retirees when they turn 65 and become eligible for Medicare.

The policy, set forth in a new regulation, allows employers to establish two classes of retirees, with more comprehensive benefits for those under 65 and more limited benefits — or none at all — for those older.

More than 10 million retirees rely on employer-sponsored health plans as a primary source of coverage or as a supplement to Medicare, and Naomi C. Earp, the commission’s chairwoman, said, “This rule will help employers continue to voluntarily provide and maintain these critically important health benefits.”

Premiums for employer-sponsored health insurance rose an average of 6.1 percent this year and have increased 78 percent since 2001, according to surveys by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Because of the rising cost of health care and the increased life expectancy of workers, the commission said, many employers refuse to provide retiree health benefits or even to negotiate on the issue.

In general, the commission observed, employers are not required by federal law to provide health benefits to either active or retired workers.

more...

[babylonsister]

1. Rec'd. So we'll have a generation of under-insured elders. Smooth. nt

[SpiralHawk]

2. "Smirk, smirk, smirk" - Commander AWOL & Republicon Homelander fat cat cronies

"Move along. Nothing to see here."

- Commander AWOL & Republicon Homelander fat cat cronies

[La Lioness Priyanka]

3. ugh.

the domestic news is so nauseating.

[JDPriestly]

4. This could really affect the election.

My mother was extremely upset when the State of Ohio decided to stop paying her supplemental retirement health insurance. Stupid move. This will not be forgotten by those who are affected, and they are many, many, many.

[krispos42]

5. and they have all the time in the world to vote, too n/t

[lovuian]

6. I agree Republicans and Congress

better get with the program

[CTyankee]

7. That show left town a while back. Most employees don't have any health insurance from their company

after they retire. I never could have expected it; neither can my husband, and he is a municipal employee with union-negotiated medical benefits, but once he's retired das is alles.

Time for well funded universal health care!

[quiet.american]

8. Under "compassionate conservatism," we are a country of monsters.

It continues to astonish me as to how ANYONE could refer to Bush as "basically a really nice guy... a decent human being... basically a good person... a charming man...." while his minions march on doing their monstrous work to trample on and destroy every single shred of human decency, human dignity that might be left for the citizens of this country.

[killbotfactory]

9. Let the elderly move in with their children

in their foreclosed houses.

[shanti]

13. i'm sure

you forgot the :sarcasm: smilie....so what about the boomers without kids (and there are a lot of them)?

[dbackjon]

10. I can understand the logic of the ruling, but not sure it will help

In theory, it would encourage companies to offer retirees health benefits to those not yet old enough to qualify for Medicare, without requiring them to continue coverage once they are eligible for Medicare. This could help plug a hole in the safety net - retirees too young to qualify for SS.

Now, will any company ACTUALLY do this, or will it help any company to maintain benefits to those in that in-between group is another question.

[Bozita]

11. NO mention on ABC or NBC evening newscasts. Anyone see the CBS news?

ABC and NBC both did a tiger/zoo story, though.

[shanti]

12. that seals it.

they really do want us to just DIE. my union includes full health benefits for retirees, so this will be interesting to watch this unfold.