A retirement benefit specific to medical costs – introduced almost two decades ago to slim down the state’s payroll – may be on its way out.

Lawmakers may instead bulk up Hoosier START, the state’s defined benefit plans. They say that would offer retirees and current staff greater flexibility.

Tony Green, the deputy executive director of the Indiana Public Retirement System, said the Retirement Medical Benefits Accounts were created in 2007, as then-Gov. Mitch Daniels’ administration was looking to cut costs.

Medical expense was a primary reason older employees were staying, Green told the Senate Pensions and Labor Committee on Wednesday.

RMBA was instituted to “enable or even incentivize” early retirement, he said. The balance can reimburse retirees, spouses, and dependent children fo

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