In a significant display of support for retired state and municipal employees, New York State Senator Pete Harckham and Assemblymember Ken Zebrowski, alongside over 200 retirees and union leaders, convened at the State Capitol in Albany to advocate for the Health Equity for Retirees Act. This new legislation, identified as S.8388 / A.7866, aims to safeguard the healthcare benefits of public service retirees against any reduction in quality or employer contributions.
The rally featured prominent figures including Marianne Pizzitola, president of the NYC Organization of Public Service Retirees; Edward Farrell, executive director of the Retired Public Employees Association of New York State; Lloyd Archer, president of the TWU Local 100 Retirees; and Bob Valentino, president of the NYC Retired Transit Police Officers Association. They were joined by State Senators Mario R. Mattera, Steven D. Rhoads, Robert Rollison, and Assemblymember Edward P. Ra.
Senator Harckham emphasized the legislation’s fundamental goal of fairness, recognizing the retirees’ lifelong contributions to the state and their expectations for secure healthcare post-retirement. Senator Harckham stated that it is patently unfair for municipalities to consider switching to a lower quality of healthcare.
Assemblymember Zebrowski reiterated the moral obligation to uphold the promises made to these public servants. Assemblymember Zebrowski expressed that this rally is about sending a clear message that the contributions of state and local government retirees are valued, and there is a commitment to safeguard the benefits they have rightfully earned.
The legislation comes in response to some localities considering transferring public employee retirees to health insurance programs with diminished benefits, which could compromise their access to healthcare and exacerbate the strain on New York’s healthcare system. These changes could force retirees to rely more on urgent care facilities and emergency rooms, especially if they face lengthy pre-authorization procedures or need to switch from their long-term healthcare providers.
The Health Equity for Retirees Act stands as a protective measure to ensure that retired public employees and their families are not shifted into inferior health care programs, thereby honoring the state’s commitment to its former workers.