Senators to pay more for health insurance

By Bill Ruthhart
bill.ruthhart@indystar.com

The Indiana Senate today modified its health care coverage to lessen the burden on Indiana taxpayers.

Under changes announced this morning, senators would have to pay more for their health coverage.
Health insurance will only apply to legislators who retire after the age of 50 with at least six years and one day of service in the legislature. Previously, health benefits applied to lawmakers of any age.

The move comes less than a month after the House simply eliminated the generous plan.

In January, House Speaker Brian C. Bosma, R-Indianapolis, revoked lifetime health benefits for state representatives.

That plan, which had been offered since 2002, still applies to about 25 retired legislators and anyone with six years and one day of service who retires before this November’s election.

Until then, state representatives who served for that long could lock in insurance premiums while taxpayers paid between 75 percent of 100 percent of the cost to cover the lawmaker, his or her spouse, surviving spouse, divorced spouse or any dependent children for the rest of their lives.