Fresno Unified Retirees Association Considers Lawsuit Against School District Over Health Coverage
Members of the Fresno Unified Retirees Association on Tuesday met to consider whether to file a lawsuit to seek the lifetime health coverage without premiums that the Fresno Unified School District promised when they were hired, the Fresno Bee reports.
Carole Sarkisian-Bonard, president of FURA, said members decided not to file a lawsuit at this time but directed the attorney for the group to oppose increases in health care costs for retirees.
Under a contract ratified this summer that remains under consideration for some unions, retirees ages 65 and younger would pay $30 to $70 in monthly premiums -- the same amount paid by current employees -- and a $10 monthly health plan fee. Retirees ages 65 to 75 would pay $10 monthly for each family member included in the health plan, and retirees ages 75 and older would continue to pay no monthly premiums.
Previously, retirees with at least 16 1/2 years of tenure at the school district qualified for lifetime health coverage without premiums (Kennedy, Fresno Bee, 9/28).