Change OKd for Retirees on Medicare

Retirees who qualify for Medicare would see their health benefits cut or eliminated under a proposal approved Thursday by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

The commission approved the proposed rule in a 3-1 vote, with three Republicans in favor and one Democrat opposing it.

Under the rule, employers can coordinate health benefits for retirees who are eligible for Medicare or a similar state-sponsored health benefit. Employers had been prohibited from doing so since 2001, after a federal appeals court concluded that coordinating health benefits was illegal age discrimination.

Before it becomes final, the proposed rule must go through further review by federal agencies and the White House Office of Management and Budget.

The AARP, which represents millions of retirees, was disappointed with the commission’s decision.