Posted on Thu, Nov. 13, 2003
MIAMI
Health premiums rising for stunned city of Miami retirees
The city of Miami is cutting its healthcare contributions for 1,200 city retirees to save $3 million a year, and a protest is set for today at City Hall.
By CAROLYN SALAZAR
csalazar@herald.com
Robert Spinola spent 25 years working as a mechanic for the city of Miami -- believing he was securing a pension check and health insurance for the rest of his life.
But now, as his wife lies dying in a hospital bed, as his nest egg is nearly depleted, the 82-year-old man has learned that the security he has always counted on is in danger of being taken away.
Seeking to cut costs, the city is slashing its healthcare contributions for 1,200 retirees on its healthcare plan. For Spinola, that means the cost of health insurance will jump from $420 a month to $1,088 for him and his wife. (snip)
(snip) ''We cannot afford to keep paying for their healthcare,'' Arriola said. ``The city of Coral Gables doesn't do it, the city of Fort Lauderdale doesn't do it, the state of Florida doesn't do it. Why should the city of Miami pay? These retirees cannot be on my payroll for the rest of their lives.'' (snip/...)
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/local/7247994.htm