AARP NY Applauds Court Ruling Blocking Cuts to NYC Retirees’ Health Benefits Days Before Crucial Deadline

NEW YORK, N.Y. – AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel issued the following statement today in response to a New York City Judge's decision to temporarily block the City’s initiative to change the health care plans available to NYC retirees while the case is pending in court:

“AARP New York applauds Judge Frank’s decision as a victory for New York City retirees. We are encouraged by the ruling to halt the City’s flawed attempt at diminishing care for retirees as the court considers the Mayor’s ill-advised effort – which would risk retirees’ long-term health and retirement security.

“We strongly agree with Judge Frank that because this matter will impact health care for an aging and vulnerable population – most of them on fixed incomes - any lapse in care for City retirees could have deleterious consequences.

“The City should stand by the commitments it made to its retired workers for their service over their long careers. The Mayor’s plan would increase City retirees’ health care expenses, reduce their choices, make it more difficult for them to continue visiting their existing doctors, and provide them with far too little information about many other essential plan specifics.

“New York City retirees deserve to enjoy their retirement years with the peace of mind that their healthcare needs will be met without unnecessary barriers or discrimination. AARP New York is hopeful that as the case moves forward in court, the justice system will hold the City accountable to its promises to the retired public servants who dedicated their lives to caring for New Yorkers.”

Contact: Erik Kriss, ekriss@aarp.org

https://local.aarp.org/news/aarp-ny-applauds-court-ruling-blocking-cuts-to-nyc-retirees-health-benefits-days-before-crucial-deadline-ny-2023-07-07.html