I would like to point out a glaring error in the article regarding state retiree health care expenses that the Mirror published on June 23 and for which a clarification to the article was printed June 30.
The article and clarification both state that state retirees will "continue to collect the same health benefits during their retirement they got while working."
This is a total fallacy.
The Retiree Health Program provides only basic coverage for inpatient and outpatient services.
It does not include dental, vision, or prescription coverage, which active employees receive.
The retiree's premium for this basic coverage is now also set at 3 percent of their pre-retirement salaries, making it nearly cost-ineffective for the individual retiree.
There are also several other errors in this article you reprinted from the ultra right-wing PA Independent, but it would take an actuary to pick them apart.
Daniel Purdin
Altoona
