Retirees Applaud Budget Agreement

ALBANY, NY (03/31/2016)(readMedia)-- The Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA) commended the Legislature for rejecting the Governor's proposal to impose additional costs on retirees who participate in the New York State Health Insurance Plan (NYSHIP).

Edward C. Farrell, Executive Director, stated "We commend the Legislature for rejecting the Governor's proposal to impose additional costs on Medicare eligible participants in NYSHIP. At a time when state revenues are soaring, there is no logical reason to impose added costs on retirees. We are pleased that the final budget agreement does not include this ill conceived proposal."

Governor Cuomo had proposed two changes that would have adversely affected retirees: capping the basic Medicare reimbursement payment, and eliminating the reimbursement for added premiums that certain retirees pay for Medicare coverage.

Jack McPadden, RPEA President, added "Once again, the Legislature had responded to the concerns of retirees. The Governor's proposals could have shifted $40 million onto the backs of retirees. RPEA will continue to oppose all such tactics which attempt to use retirees as a revenue stream."

-30-