Since 1981, everyone eligible for the retiree medical benefit was promised they would pay the same amount for dependent coverage as active employees pay.  From 1981 until November 2024 this has been the County’s communicated and administered interpretation of the benefit.

This promise was made to all who are eligible for the benefit regardless of retirement date - it makes no difference whether retirement was prior to 2017, after 2017 but before 10/1/2024, or anytime after 10/1/2024 - the promise is the same.

The Board’s actions on 9/4 and 9/17 have redefined the benefit and have eliminated the County’s decades long financial contribution toward dependent costs for retirees, but not for active employees, which means that by treating retirees and active employees differently, retirees will no longer receive the benefit they were promised and earned.

The Board’s actions have caused harm to all who are eligible, including County employees that Board members work with on a daily basis who are too afraid to speak out about the Board’s eliminating a retirement benefit that they have earned and are relying upon.

Retirees and affected employees feel betrayed by the Board.

Retirees are asking the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners to make and approve a motion rescinding its actions of September 4 and 17, 2024 and charge retirees the same amount as active employees for dependent coverage under the same plans.

Note: the "Support Change —  Become a Member Today" section asking foe a contribution is NOT asking to fund anything on behalf of retirees.