OLYMPIA – Some state employees, particularly those in the Department of Corrections, are working well past retirement. They are unable to retire because they rely on employer-provided medical coverage and are not yet eligible for Medicare.
Simply put, the cost of continuing their coverage through PEBB is financially unfeasible. Many of these public employees begin careers in their 20’s and must work 35-45 years before they can retire without penalty. As a result, they often remain on the job well past a safe retirement age and some die before or shortly after retirement.
To address this issue, the Washington State House of Representatives has passed House Bill 1069 yesterday. A bipartisan measure introduced by Rep. Mary Fosse (D-Everett), who is also Vice-Chair of the House Labor & Workplace Standards Committee, would allow state agencies and employees to negotiate contributions to a union’s supplemental retirement plan, including medical coverage.
“This bill came from conversations that started with Teamsters 117,” said Rep. Mary Fosse. “It’s vital that we address this issue and allow people to retire safely and with dignity.”
House Bill 1069 heads to the Senate for further consideration. Click here or below to learn more about this legislation. 