"When we last reported on this back in July, it was a foregone conclusion, among the experts, that the regulation would be finalized by this time," recalls Legislative Chairman Bill Hill. "But the experts have been proven wrong once again, and the feds have pulled back on the regulation becoming effective. And, the November elections may have played a part in the decision."

What happened, is that opposition, spurred on by AARP, intensified, with thousands of calls against the regulation being received by the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) - the federal agency which originally approved it. "In the face of such overwhelming criticism by thousands of retirees, and potential voters in November, the feds decided it was 'wiser' to sit on the regulation and not ignite a controversy before election day," comments Hill. "We'll have to see what develops after then."

It bears repeating that the EEOC regulation would not negatively impact Mass. public retirees and their families. That being said, our Association opposes any legislation that allows employers to discriminate against different groups of retirees when providing them with health insurance.