RPEA Calls for Equity for Retired Public Employees in the 2019-20 State Budget

RPEA Calls for Equity for Retired Public Employees in the 2019-20 State Budget

Retirees Should Not Be Asked to Subsidize Amazon Tax Breaks

 RPEA Requests Funding Be Reinstated in the 2019-20 Budget to Maintain Support for Health Insurance for a Growing Number of Retirees

 Calls for Equal Access to Health Care Services that Active Public Employees Receive, and Retired Employees Deserve

The Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA) today called on the New York State Senate and Assembly to reinstate funding for retiree health insurance that was cut from Governor Cuomo’s Executive Budget following an historic $2 billion tax subsidy deal with multinational technology company, Amazon.

“We find it unconscionable that Governor Cuomo would propose increased costs for retiree health insurance while giving Amazon $2 billion in tax breaks,” said RPEA President Jack McPadden. “We are requesting a continuation of funding in the 2019-20 State Budget at the current year level to support New York’s retired public employees and help meet their health care needs. We are also asking our elected officials to ensure that access to skilled nursing services is available to everyone – regardless of age.”

More than 250,000 retirees participate in the New York State Health Insurance Plan (NYSHIP).

Specifically, RPEA is asking legislators and state officials to:

• Eliminate the proposed Cap on Medicare reimbursement;
• Restore the reimbursement of the surcharge that certain enrollees pay due to their income; and

• End age discrimination, which is preventing retirees that are 65 and older from equal access to skilled nursing facilities.

 RPEA provided testimony on Monday, February 4, 2019 to the State Legislature on the issues outlined above. This year, RPEA is celebrating 50 years of service advocating on behalf, and in the interest of, New York State retired public employees.

 For 50 years, the Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA) has been a powerful advocate for more than 400,000 public service retirees. Learn more at: rpea.org.