Retirees can breathe easier knowing their health insurance is safe for at least one more year. Gov. Paterson has signed a NYSUT-backed bill that will continue health insurance coverage protections for many public education retirees.

The law extends until May 15, 2009, a measure that prohibits educational employers from diminishing health insurance benefits or contributions for retirees and their dependents, unless there is a corresponding reduction in benefits for active employees.

The law was set to expire May 15. It requires any changes to retiree health insurance be subject to collective bargaining.

"This extension provides the legal requirement that educational employers continue their longstanding commitment to providing health insurance coverage to retirees," said NYSUT Executive Vice President Alan Lubin. "As we've seen in the past, retiree health coverage is often one of the first areas where many districts look to save a few bucks."

NYSUT lawyers have won several favorable court rulings upholding the moratorium law to protect health insurance. The statewide union has secured an annual extension of the law since its original enactment in 1994.

"We will continue to urge the Legislature and governor to make these protections permanent," Lubin said. "The same protections should also be put in place for all other retired public employees."

The moratorium bill was co-sponsored by Sen. Hugh Farley, R-Schenectady, and Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein, D-Brooklyn.