Indiana Senators Amend ‘Free Ride’ Health Care Coverage for Legislators
The Indiana Senate recently modified its health care coverage to lessen the burden on Indiana taxpayers, according to a story in the IndyStar. Under changes announced this week, senators would have to pay more for their health coverage.
The news account said that now health insurance will only apply to legislators who retire after the age of 50 with a minimum of six years and one day of service in the legislature. Previously, health benefits applied to lawmakers of any age.
The move comes less than a month after the House simply eliminated the generous plan (see Insurance Journal Web site story, Jan. 18, 2006).
In January, House Speaker Brian C. Bosma, R-Indianapolis, revoked lifetime health benefits for state representatives.
That plan, which had been offered since 2002, still applies to about 25 retired legislators and anyone with six years and one day of service who retires before this November’s election.
Until then, state representatives who served for that long could lock in insurance premiums while taxpayers paid between 75 percent and 100 percent of the cost to cover the lawmaker, his or her spouse, surviving spouse, divorced spouse or any dependent children for the rest of their lives.
Source: IndyStar.com