Cincy retirees sue city over health benefits
CINCINNATI (AP) — City retirees are asking a federal court to block Cincinnati from reducing their health-care benefits.
A retiree group filed suit Wednesday in U.S. District Court seeking more than $1 million in damages and an order stopping changes.
The retirees say their civil rights are being violated by city actions to cut medical benefits.
City council members made the changes as a cost-cutting move and have defended the decision as a reasonable way to protect future benefits for all.
Previously, most city retirees paid nothing or a small amount for benefits. City officials say the new plan, which has a $100 deductible and limits out-of-pocket medical costs to $1,000 a year, is still better than what most workers get, public or private.