BRIEF: Supervisors back retiree health premium payments [The Sacramento Bee]

Sept. 26--By a narrow margin, Sacramento County supervisors on Tuesday reaffirmed their support for a controversial benefit -- health insurance payments for retirees.

Because the benefit isn't vested -- and the county has been cutting numerous services in recent years -- some supervisors have argued that the county should end it.

The benefit is expected to cost $1.4 million in 2013, according to an actuarial report presented to supervisors Tuesday.

Supervisors voted 3-2 to accept the report and to approve the benefit. Supervisors Susan Peters and Roberta MacGlashan opposed the benefit.

County retirees making less than $2,000 a month in pension payments are eligible for $40 monthly assistance for health insurance.

Retirees who successfully challenged the county's previous attempt to cut the benefit are also eligible and receive up to $269 a month.

The county plans to end the benefit in the fiscal year starting July 1, 2013.

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Call The Bee'sBrad Branan, (916) 321-1065.

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