Government Retiree Health Care Crisis: New Paper Addresses The Myths And Realities

Main Category: Seniors / Aging
Also Included In: Health Insurance / Medical Insurance
Article Date: 19 Jul 2008 - 6:00 PDT

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While some states are taking adequate steps to address the cost of retiree health-care benefits, others - including New Jersey, New York, California and North Carolina - are facing tens of billions of dollars in so-called "unfunded liabilities." The myths and realities of this potential crisis are laid out in a new issue brief written by Dr. Robert Clark, a professor of economics and of management, innovation and entrepreneurship at North Carolina State University, and released by the Center for State and Local Government Excellence.

The paper, The Crisis in State and Local Government Retiree Health Benefit Plans: Myths and Realities, examines the current financial status of state retiree health plans from around the country. States with the lowest unfunded liabilities include North Dakota, Wyoming, Iowa and Oregon.

The brief finds that:

• Although there are widespread reports of a major fiscal crisis, the reality is that some states face a fiscal crisis while others do not.
  
  
• There are substantial differences in the total liabilities of state retiree health plans, depending on the generosity of the plan and the size of the public sector.
  
  
• Retirement benefits are not protected by state laws or constitutions, and public sector employers will continue to amend their plans to reduce costs.

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Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release.
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For a copy of the full brief, visit the Web at http://tinyurl.com/5rfyw2

The Center for State and Local Government Excellence helps state and local governments become knowledgeable and competitive employers so they can attract and retain a talented and committed workforce. The center identifies best practices and conducts research on competitive employment practices, workforce development, pensions, retiree health security, and financial planning.

Source: Matt Shipman
North Carolina State University