New York State Budget Response from RPEA Board President RoAnn Destito

In response to this year’s NYS Budget, Retired Public Employees Association President RoAnn Destito said:

With inflation driving everyday expenses and healthcare premiums to new highs, affordability remains one of the most pressing concerns facing New York’s retired public employees. The Medicare Part B IRMAA reimbursement is essential to NYSHIP retirees, who are living on fixed incomes and continue to grapple with rising costs of healthcare and general cost of living.

RPEA appreciates leadership in the Senate and Assembly for working with Gov. Hochul to include IRMAA in the final enacted budget.We’re also grateful to the Senate for addressing skilled nursing facility care for retirees in its one-house budget proposal. While we’re disappointed this was not included in the final budget, ensuring equal access to skilled nursing facility care for retirees remains a top priority for RPEA moving forward.

We look forward to continuing to work with our legislative champions in both houses to advance policies that protect earned benefits and address the growing cost pressures facing retirees. Public service employees dedicate their careers to serving New York, and they deserve a retirement that is both secure and affordable.”