STATE OF ILLINOIS RETIREES ARE GOING TO HAVE TO START PAYING MONTHLY PREMIUMS FOR THEIR HEALTH INSURANCE.
GOVERNOR PAT QUINN SIGNED A NEW LAW ENDING FREE PREMIUMS FOR STATE RETIREES. SPOKESPERSON ANNIE THOMPSON SAYS THE CHANGE IS NEEDED TO MAKE SURE FORMER WORKERS HAVE HEALTH CARE COVERAGE...WHILE PRESERVING STATE FINANCES.
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THOMPSON SAYS THE AMOUNT RETIREES WILL HAVE TO PAY WILL BE DETERMINED IN COMING MONTHS.
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RETIREES CURRENTLY PAY NO MONTHLY PREMIUM…BUT ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CO-PAYS AND DEDUCTIBLES. THE CHANGE APPLIES TO STATE WORKERS…LAWMAKERS…JUDGES…AND UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES.