The municipality that I ER'd from offers health insurance for life to all of it's retirees, whether ER or regular, and has since at least the late 60's or early 70's. The retiree has to pay a percentage of the monthly premium, and that percentage is based on what the contract that you retired under stated at that time. I pay 25%, some who retired some years before me under a previous contract pay 50%. Just for some perspective, while I was working I paid 20%......those who are now paying the 50%, were paying anywhere between 0% and 15%. It all depends on the contract terms at time of retirement. I pay $152/month for full medical/dental coverage.
They also
enthusiastically support ER by offering an Early Retirement Incentive (ERI) package about every 5 years.
They make no bones about the fact that the
ONLY reason they offer the ERI and health insurance for life, is to get rid of those who have a lot of years of service and therefore more benefits and much higher longevity pay, as well as more stipends for various licenses, certifications, and job classifications. In other words, us 'old-timers' cost 'em too much scratch!
Since they make no bones about there stance, I make no bones about my stance. That being that I like my former employer
MUCH MORE now than at any time while I was working there! Heck, I think I love 'em now! Proof of the old saying......
"Absence Makes The Heart Grow Fonder".