N.M. Retiree Health Care Authority Considers Age Limit

According to the Santa Fe New Mexican, New Mexico subsidizes the cost of monthly healthcare premiums paid by retirees of state government, public school systems and local governments. If the minimum retirement age is adopted, that means individuals who retire before the minimum retirement age, whether 55 or 60, would pay the full freight of healthcare costs until they reach the prescribed age.  

“It’s still in the discussion phase,” said Wayne Propst, the authority’s executive director, who appeared before state lawmakers this week to talk about the agency’s discussions, according to the New Mexican.  

Age limits are a novel step in New Mexico, where age isn’t a determinant for when public-sector retirees can qualify for pensions or healthcare benefits; however, with New Mexico’s two pension funds and the New Mexico Retiree Health Care Authority struggling with large gaps in funding, the concept of minimum retirement ages is appealing.

The Educational Retirement Board (ERB) in November narrowly voted to recommend setting a minimum retirement age of 55 (see New Rules Proposed for New Mexico Educators’ Pension).