News Notes: EEOC Approves Proposal To Exempt Retiree Health Plans From Age Bias Rules

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has approved a rule that would allow employers to reduce or cut retiree health benefits once a retiree becomes eligible for Medicare or a comparable state-sponsored health benefit—without violating the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. According to the U.S. General Accounting Office, 10 million retired employees age 55 and over depend on employer-sponsored health plans as either their primary source of health coverage or as a supplement to Medicare. For more information, visit the EEOC website.