A group representing about 300 former Des Plaines city employees will discuss health insurance rates with city officials next week after a spokeswoman for the retirees complained to aldermen this week about the rising cost of premiums.
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“Some retirees spend 25 percent of their pensions on health insurance,” said Linda Laffey, vice president of the retirees’ group.
Laffey told the City Council Monday night that former city workers pay more for health insurance than about 1,600 current city workers pay for the same coverage. Such disparity is illegal, she said, and her group is considering seeking reimbursement.
Finance Director Jim Egeberg said there is no disparity in premiums paid by retirees.
“Physicians, hospitals and drug companies are all charging more,” Egeberg said. Medical bills paid by the city have increased by $1.3 million in the past year alone, he said.
Aldermen formed a committee Monday to consider the issue and scheduled a public meeting with the former employees for 9 a.m. Nov. 13 at City Hall, 1420 Miner St.
If no agreement can be worked out, Ald. Dick Sayad said the council would consider arbitration.