Longtime Illinois state employees could be on the verge of losing the free health insurance they get in retirement. The state Senate approved legislation ending the benefit yesterday. It now goes to Governor Pat Quinn, who is pushing to cut retirement benefits.
Currently, people who spend 20 years working for the state don't have to pay health insurance premiums after retiring. Under the new plan, retirees would pay a premium based on their years working for the state and ability to pay. Legislators call it a difficult move they need to make if Illinois is going to repair unsustainable health care and pension systems.
