Uncertainty Over Retiree Benefits Isn't Causing Mass Exodus, State Budget Chief Says

Despite workers’ concerns about the future of the state’s retiree health benefits program, government agencies are not seeing a wave of retirements, a legislative panel was told on Tuesday.

Changes to the state’s prescription drug benefits – passed by the General Assembly in 2011 to take effect in 2018 – have angered retirees and spooked active employees, particularly those who are closing in on retirement.

The changes also sparked a lawsuit, Fitch et al v. Maryland.

Plaintiffs in that suit, which was filed last fall, won an injunction that stopped the state reform from taking place. The shift – intended to save Maryland taxpayers billions of dollars – would have moved Medicare-eligible retirees from a state plan to the federal program.

Maryland Budget and Management Secretary David R. Brinkley acknowledged Tuesday that the changes and subsequent lawsuit have created confusion for current and former state employees.

Read more: https://www.marylandmatters.org/2019/10/29/uncertainty-over-retiree-benefits-isnt-causing-mass-exodus-state-budget-chief-says/