Dismissal of Chicago retiree healthcare lawsuit in hands of judge
Source: Reuters
Dismissal of Chicago retiree healthcare lawsuit in hands of judge
Reuters
3 hours ago
CHICAGO (Reuters) - An Illinois judge said on Monday he will rule no later than Dec. 11 on motions by Chicago and its four pension funds to dismiss a lawsuit that could greatly increase the cash-strapped city's retiree healthcare costs.
Cook County Circuit Court Judge Neil Cohen heard nearly three hours or arguments by Clint Krislov, a lawyer representing Chicago retirees, who claimed his clients are entitled to lifetime healthcare coverage, and Richard Prendergast, the city's attorney, who contended the lawsuit should be tossed because it is based on faulty facts.
If Cohen allows the lawsuit to continue, the retirees are seeking refunds for rising health insurance premiums because of a phase-out of a city subsidy. Krislov said the refunds would date back to 2013 and total about $110 million. He added that Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel included $31 million in retiree healthcare savings in his budget for the fiscal year that begins Jan. 1.
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The Illinois Supreme Court, in its rulings, determined that healthcare is a retirement benefit for public sector workers and that pension benefits are protected from cuts by the state constitution.
Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/dismissal-chicago-retiree-healthcare-lawsuit-hands-judge-233038595.html
