Statement from Retired Public Employees Association Executive Director Edward Farrell on the Passage of A.9215 to Protect Retiree Healthcare

Passes Unanimously in Both Houses

“People who choose a career in public service dedicate their lives to keeping our communities healthy, educated, clean, and safe – all with the expectation that their benefits will not be diminished in retirement. Following the Senate’s previous unanimous vote, and today’s unanimous vote in the Assembly, A.9215/S.8192 is heading to Governor Hochul’s desk for signature. This legislation has been a priority for the Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA), and on behalf of our members, we thank Senator Neil Breslin and Assemblyman John McDonald for their leadership on this important issue.

With the Governor’s signature, age discrimination will end and the 225,000 Medicare-primary retirees in the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) Empire Plan will receive access to the same skilled nursing care that is available to other Empire Plan enrollees.

We urge the Governor to take action on this bill, end discriminatory practices, and ensure state and local government retirees receive the care they deserve and have earned.” 

The Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA) is a powerful advocate for current and future government retirees. RPEA represents the interests of nearly 500,000 retirees, and their spouses and beneficiaries, from New York state and local governments, school districts and public authorities. Learn more at: www.rpea.org.

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