Measure would protect retired public workers’ health benefits

Legislation that would protect retired public employees’ access to health insurance unanimously passed the Washington State Senate, reports the Columbia Basin Herald. Senate Bill 5696 ensures retirees can continue to participate in insurance plans provided under Public Employees’ Benefits Board. Currently, if a local government terminates its contract with the state Health Care Authority to provide benefits to employees under PEBB, the retiree becomes ineligible for coverage – something the bill would remedy if passed, a release by Washington State Senate Democrats says.