2007 House Bill 4797

Establish “graduated” retirement health benefits for new school employees

Introduced in the House

May 17, 2007

Introduced by Rep. Tim Melton (D-29)

To establish that school employees would become eligible for partial post-retirement health insurance benefits after 10 years of service, and earn 3 percent of the full benefit for each year on the job. In other words, the individual would first be entitled to 30 percent of the post-retirement health benefit after 10 years on the job, and earn 3 percent for each additional year of service. Under current law, school pension eligibility may be established according to a <a href="http://www.michigan.gov/orsschools/0,1607,7-206-36450_36452---,00.html">number of standards</a>, all of which are far less stringent than private sector practice. The benefit would be the same as specified under current law, which is 90 percent of the monthly premium for a hospital, medical-surgical, and sick care benefits plan “authorized by the retirement board and the Department of Education.” The bill would only apply to new school employees hired after June 30, 2007.

Referred to the Committee on Education