Illinois Retired Workers Wait After High Court Win

Retired state workers aren't seeing any immediate advantage from an Illinois Supreme Court ruling last week in their favor. The court found that health insurance coverage is a constitutionally protected retirement benefit. 

Attorney Donald Craven tells the Springfield bureau of Lee Enterprises the case is "clearly not over yet.'' The Springfield attorney represents a group of state workers.

The high court is sending the case back to Sangamon County Circuit Court where a judge will decide how to rule in light of the opinion. Retirees are challenging a 2012 law allowing the state to collect money from retirees for their state-subsidized health care.

Retirees are continuing to see health insurance fees deducted from their pensions. The money is being held in a special account until the case is resolved.