County adopts early retirement health policy

Shajia Ahmad

Nov. 3, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- County commissioners have adopted a policy that allows early retiring county employees to receive the same health insurance rates as current employees, if they have been working for the county for at least 15 years and are otherwise eligible for full retirement benefits.

The commission voted unanimously during its Monday public meeting to adopt the early retirement benefit at the recommendation of the county's Employee Benefits Committee, several members of whom were present.

Now, a Finney County employee who has been with the county for at least a decade and a half -- the last 10 years of which are consecutive -- and is eligible for full retirement benefits with the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System, may continue on the county's health insurance at the family rate until they reach age 65: about $205 per month, according to Assistant County Administrator Randy Partington.

Partington told commissioners Monday that the number of eligible employees would be relatively small -- about five -- because only about 13 employees will be eligible for early retirement by 2010, and most employees with nearly 15 years work experience are already close to 65 years of age.

Partington said the policy change potentially could increase health insurance premiums for county employees, depending on the new benefit's use over the next few years.

For a complete look at the early retirement benefit's requirements, view this PDF.

Newstex ID: KRTB-1043-39414652