Rutigliano Attends Retired Teachers Legislative Breakfast at State Capitol

HARTFORD- State Rep. David Rutigliano (R-Trumbull) met with the Association of Retired Teachers of Connecticut (ARTC) at the State Capitol today.

Rutigliano listened to retired teachers and discussed their 2024 legislative agenda. One of those retired teachers was Trumbull resident Rita McDougald-Campbell.

Rep. Rutigliano is a co-introducer of House Bill 5010, An Act Concerning A State Subsidy For Retired Teachers’ Health Insurance Benefits which restores the one-third state subsidy to retired teachers enrolled in the Teachers’ Retirement Board Medicare supplement health insurance package.

Currently, Connecticut retired teachers have a choice between an Advantage plan and the Original Medicare Supplement through the Teachers Retirement Service (TRS) unfortunately because of the large disparity between cost of the two plans, many do not have a choice. Retired teachers are requesting a 1/3 state subsidy toward the full cost of each Teachers Retirement Board Medicare-based plan.

According to Rutigliano many teachers want to maintain the freedom of managing their own healthcare needs.

Approximately, 4,500 teacher retirees are on the Original Medicare Supplement and pay the higher cost because that plan DOES NOT restrict their healthcare decisions. The Advantage plan might be less costly but puts medical decisions in the hands of insurance companies.

Rep. Rutigliano hopes the proposed bill the receives a public hearing and a vote in the House and Senate this session.