Nevada senate tries to screw state retirees

[Bluebear]

The Nevada Senate on Thursday voted 12-8 to approve a bill... (SB 484) that would end state subsidization of health care premiums for future retired state workers, the AP/Las Vegas Sun reports. The bill contains a proposal that supporters say could save the state $500 million over the next 30 years. Under the provision, the state would no longer subsidize premiums for the state health insurance plan for employees hired after July 1, 2006. Employees still would be allowed to purchase health insurance through the plan. In addition, the measure includes an amendment that would place the state Public Employees Benefits Program board under the auspices of the state insurance commissioner. The amendment also would require that state retirees covered under Medicare pay lower premiums than other retirees and active employees. Currently, non-Medicare and Medicare retirees pay the same rate, while active employees pay a different premium. State Senate approval of the bill came after earlier testimony to the state Senate Finance Committee stated that Nevada has not committed to fund an estimated $4.4 billion in mandatory health care costs for future retirees that it is required to pay under federal regulations to protect bond ratings. The measure now goes to the Democrat-controlled state Assembly, where it is likely to get a "cold reception," the AP/Sun reports

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