Retirement
Statement by AARP Director of Advocacy Michael Naylor on the EEOC Ruling on Retiree Health Benefits
News Release
April 22, 2004
AARP is deeply disappointed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC) approval today of a rule that will allow employers to reduce or eliminate retiree health benefits that they offer to older, Medicare-eligible retirees. More than 12 million Medicare beneficiaries currently receive benefits from their former employers AARP is concerned that this rule may jeopardize those benefits.
However, we note that EEOC Chairwoman Cari Dominguez has suggested there remains an opportunity for further discussion on the rule to insure that older retiree's benefits are protected. AARP welcomes the opportunity to continue to seek a resolution of this issue that is satisfactory to all interested parties and protects the interests of our members and all seniors.
We recognize that there is a narrow time frame available for such discussion before the rule takes effect. Therefore, if a resolution at this time is not possible, AARP will explore a range of different steps, including litigation, to halt the implementation of the rule.