The California Supreme Court ruled Monday that health benefits for government retirees in Orange county may not be eliminated. That implied contracts covering retiree healthcare benefits will be honored.

Unfortunately this is not the only instance of our government trying to rob our honored citizens of their medical benefits. Other cities, counties, and states in our great nation are regrettably following suit. This article focuses on the Sacramento County case.

The state of California’s attempt to eliminate Health care benefits in Sacramento County

In 2010 the Board of Supervisors in Sacramento County reduced the health care subsidy by $100 per month. This cut maximum benefits down from $244 to $144 a month. This year Sac County put further strain on the cost of living by setting the maximum to $80.64 per month. I would like to hear from our honored readers how much they pay on average for health care expenses. Please post your comments they are as always greatly anticipated.

The Counties Argument

Starting in 2003 the health care policies state that subsidies are not intrinsic. Meaning that there is no explicit contract in Sacramento County to provide county retirees any health care benefits. This is in stark contrast to the Orange County ruling which is over premiums not subsidies. According to the county the policy states that the retiree’s health care program is not a contract thus doesn’t provide any vested entitlement to benefits hence void of regulation.

Guess we should of read the fine print.
Where is the Governator when we need him. Is this astalavista healthcare benefits?

Supreme Court Ruling

Justice Marvin R. Baxter wrote
“Under California law, a vested right to health benefits for retired county employees can be implied under certain circumstances from a county ordinance or resolution,”

It is the hope of all California government retirees that this ruling will quell the counties attempts to reduce health care benefits and make sure they last a lifetime. Judges are government employees too and I’m sure this will aid in the association’s case. Times being as difficult as they are does not excuse this injustice.

The Affect the ruling has on California Retiree’s Cost of living

What is at stake here is obvious. It is hard enough for our seniors already. With the rising cost of living in California, most evident prescription drugs it is difficult if not impossible for our seniors to make ends meet. Why does our government continue to pick on them?

The Future of this case

Arguments to dismiss the suit against Sacramento County are scheduled for Tuesday. The case will go back to the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Where the honorable Judge Kimberly J. Mueller hear the case.