Governor signs House Bill 1643 extending retirement medical subsidy eligibility deadline by one year

Yesterday Governor John Lynch signed House Bill 1643. By doing so, he fulfilled his pledge to teachers contemplating retirement. HB 1643 resolves the confusion as to whether teachers would be forced to retire in 2008 in order to qualify for the medical subsidy. The confusion arose when NEA-NH learned that the medical subsidy might end in 2011. While NEA-NH worked hard to save the subsidy, the deadline for teachers to notify their districts of their intent to retire was fast approaching. HB 1643 extends the retirement deadline for one year. By then we will know whether or not the subsidy will end.

This extension applies only to those who qualify for the subsidy by 2008.

House Democratic Majority Leader Mary Jane Wallner, D-Concord, the prime sponsor of the bill, was concerned that there would be a rush to retirement if the deadline were not extended. The House and Senate agreed with her and passed the bill that Governor Lynch signed yesterday.

We owe a great deal of thanks to the House leadership, the Senate and to Governor Lynch. Please let them know that you appreciate their efforts on our behalf.

Rick Trombly
Director of Public Affairs
NEA-NH